Cyber-Discipleship

  Have You Learned to Live with Prosperity?

‘…for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. ¹³ I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:11b-13

Many of us believe that if we were to win a million dollars, we’d be set for life (even though a million dollars isn’t what it used to be). We would pay off our debts and live off the interest. However, history has taught us that that would not likely be the case. Statistics show that most lottery winners are broke and/or in bankruptcy within 5 years after receiving a lump sum payment. This is likely due to the fact that once we receive the money, all reasoning go out the window. We think our money to be as endless as the sea. Instead of paying off our debts, we buy newer and bigger houses, new luxury cars, take trips, and maybe payoff a debt or two or give some to charity.

I believe this is one reason why God doesn’t bless many of us with wealth. He knows we do not know how to handle it. What would look like a blessing to some could turn out to be a curse to others. Many athletes, entertainment icons, and corporate moguls end up filing bankruptcy shortly after their source of funds dry up because they had not learned the most important principle of money management—to live within their means. Most of them, like us, are usually living either from paycheck to paycheck or living today on tomorrow’s paycheck. When those funds are exhausted, they find that there are still expenses due. Large houses require staff. Luxury vehicles often require expensive maintenance. Entourages need to be paid. Standards of living need to be maintained.

This is likely why I have not been granted much wealth. God knows that I would not have been a good steward of it. {I know better now.} Instead of using it to become debt free so I can be used unencumbered for the Gospel ministry, I would likely have used it to acquire more stuff. Jesus reiterates this truth. If we show ourselves to be faithful in what little we have been given, we show that we would be faithful in the much He would give us.

So how do we learn to live in prosperity? I believe the answer is two-fold. First, we need to ask God to change us so that we will not use His gifts foolishly but wisely. Second, we need to develop an action plan that we will commit to should we be blessed in such a way. We must commit to give at least the first 10 percent to our local church or to the Christian ministry that feeds our spirits. Next, we must to commit to putting a percentage into a savings or investment account. Set money aside for our children’s education. Finally, we list all our bills that we are going to pay off and commit to paying them off. Enjoy the remainder, if any.

Would we be faithful in using any windfall that God blesses us with wisely or foolishly? Are we wisely using the blessings we are currently given? If we take an honest assessment of ourselves, I believe we will understand why we do not have more than we do. But it does not have to stay that way. God does not hate the wealthy but He will not curse us with wealth if it will lead to our destruction. But if we will commit ourselves to Him, I believe it would be His good pleasure to bless us so we can be a blessing.

I believe this saying sums it up: “It’s not what you do with the million if fortune should ere be your lot, but what are you doing at present with the dollar and quarter you got.”