Verse of the day: 1 Samuel 2:5, Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, and the hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble.
Prosperity and abundance is not a true indicator of how much favor we have with God. There are plenty of unsaved people who are wealthy and continue to prosper, who are on their way to being eternally condemned in Hell and the Lake of Fire. With that said, do not envy those who flaunt their riches or look down on us because we are not rich in the things of this world. Psalm 37:1-2 admonishes us, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” Psalm 49:16-19 also says, “Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased; 17 For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him. 18 Though while he lives he blesses himself (For men will praise you when you do well for yourself), 19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.” In the blink of an eye, in a second of time, those who brag about all they have, and mock us for the little we have, can find themselves in poverty. Peninnah, who mocked Hannah for her inability to conceive, now sits idle with nothing to brag about, as God has opened Hannah’s womb and blessed her with more children. Note that once Hannah conceives and gives birth to her first son, we hear nothing further about Peninnah. This is still so today; many will boast about their riches and their status in society, flaunting their wealth, but often we see that their wealth disappears, something happens that mars their reputation, and they fade into the woodwork. Christians, we must be careful not to fall for all this false prosperity preaching that only encourages us to think that we can name it and claim it. Far too often I see Christians who gain some success in the world and walk into church as if the rest of the congregation should part, like God parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites, when they walk into the sanctuary. They give, but they do it in such a way that others know what they give, and have the attitude that they should be given special treatment just because they give more than most or are able to buy a bigger house or newer car. May I remind us that God does not need our riches? He is the One who provides them to begin with, and He is not impressed with what we give, since He owns the universe. The gaining of earthly wealth does much to feed our prideful and arrogant attitudes. Sadly, I see too many of us who begin to think that we are self-sufficient, and somehow think that our ability to gain more wealth comes solely from our own talents. That is a lie from the pits of Hell. God will prosper whomever He chooses to prosper. He will even allow the wicked to prosper but warns that the Day of Judgement is coming for them. We are not all called to poverty, but we are not all called to be wealthy either. Regardless of which side of the fence we end up on, the most important thing for us to pursue, as God’s children, is to live out the life and plan God has set for us, and do it with contentment. The greatest thing any one of us can experience, and know, is that God will take care of us and provide all our needs, regardless of what road He chooses for us to walk with Him. At the very least, let us be thankful that we do not have to worry about where our food, shelter and clothes will come from, for He has promised that if we seek first the Kingdom of God, He will provide all that we need (Matthew 6:25-34). Remember this warning, that those who brag today might find themselves begging tomorrow. This is why it is best to simply be satisfied with whatever God provides for us, and if He chooses that all we have is Him, we have more than anyone who is rich in the things of this world. Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds us, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” 6 So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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