TV evangelists are plentiful and many of them preach and teach what is termed, the Prosperity Gospel. I’m not sure how you would define this theological approach, but let’s set it out in an easy to understand way. The Prosperity Gospel flows from protestant Christianity and teaches faith, positive-thinking with affirmations, as well as financial contributions to a religious institution will provide the believer with divine health, financial wealth/material gain, and endless joy as signs of God’s favor and will. Yet, according to Scripture, prosperity is a spiritual process of well-being that requires endurance—comes from producing the Fruit of the Spirit—based on a personal choice to honor the covenant, receiving God’s blessing in order to be a blessing to others, and to be a source of generosity.
Prosperity is for the work of the Kingdom, trusting God to provide for our needs, and really has nothing to do with lining our own pockets with bigger and better material wealth. To think God will spare us of everything difficult in a fallen world while making us rich seems like foolishness. Quite frankly, I do not see in Scripture a promise if I do those things as listed above, I will never face difficult or hard things. Nor, do I see favor (grace) being given to make my life easy or me wealthy apart from a divine purpose. Grace and faith are given to motivate me and help me follow the Lord and fulfill his call on my life by spending time in his Word and obeying what the Spirit initiates in my heart. The same is true for you!
In our passage today from Proverbs Chapter 3, we see Solomon understands the power of motivation. Solomon seeks to motivate his son to live by the covenant Israel made with God. The odd numbered verses reveal the obligations needed for humans to make in the covenant and the even numbered verses reveal the obligations of God. This is the harmony we can know with God called “regeneration.” When the teachings of God become internalized and ‘written’ on our hearts; we can obey the Word of God. For this to take place, we must trust God more than we trust ourselves. If we demand autonomy, we will self-destruct, because we do not have Wisdom without following Christ. He is our Treasure. Only Christ can reverse the curse of sin. Suffering is a part of the regeneration process (2 Tim 3:12).
This leads us to consider the work of God’s discipline that does two things: rids believers of sin, as well as works to produce maturity (Wisdom) in the lives of his children. Truly, even discipline [suffering] can prepare us for great things in the future and make us the kind of people who please the Father. Faith is the key to obedience and trust will serve us by helping us to become more like our Lord.
Proverbs 3:1-25 NLT Trusting in the Lord
1
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9
Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11
My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
13
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15
Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16
She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17
She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
18
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
19
By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20
By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
21
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22
for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23
They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24
You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25
You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26
for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
29
Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
30
Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
31
Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
32
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33
The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.
34
The Lord mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.
35
The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Wisdom that leads us into eternal life. May we gain a new perspective of how you would have us live in this fallen world. We need the peace of mind only Wisdom can bring to our lives. Continue to take us forward in the regeneration process and discipline us in your love as you see fit. We need your Word written on our hearts and the power of the Spirit to help us live in obedient harmony with you and may Wisdom teach us how to treat others with your love. We are blessed to be a blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.