If there were periods in our lifetime when people tried to hide their wealth, they are no more. The ‘unfortunate’ who have tumbled down the social ladder, have found themselves renting in suburbs that they once thought beneath them. But the ‘fortunate,’ those who have risen through the wage and salary ranks, have looked to the leafy suburbs and gated communities. Prosperity is known by zip codes, car makes and clothing brands.
Soul-prosperity is easy to spot. The seven ‘deacons’ of Acts 6 were to be men ‘filled with the Holy Spirit.’ The brethren selected them, not by evidence of miraculous gifts, but by the obvious signs of Christians whose lives are transformed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You will recognise these qualities: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal.5:22-23).
Soul-life is the true measurement of spiritual prosperity.
The apostle John’s prayer for Gaius was this: ‘That the progress of his material wellbeing and the quality of his physical wellbeing be in proportion to his spiritual wellbeing.’
Ask the average Christian what things would fix their problems immediately if God would but grant them their desires. I can guarantee that money and health would be high on most lists. How do I know? Just look at all the debt, all the gyms and all the healthcare facilities.
Jesus puts the soul’s prosperity first when he commands: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mt.6:33).
Jesus is the righteousness of God. Gaining his qualities and attributes increases our spiritual usefulness. Thereby we are equipped to do deeds of service in the Kingdom, and store up treasures in heaven.
If you look first to the prosperity of your soul, you will be where God wants you to be, doing what God wants you to do. There is no better progress than that!
John Staiger
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