Words of Faith: Four proven paths to heavenly prosperity

What is prosperity? How one answers this question depends largely on his or her worldview. It may be helpful to back up one step and ask another question. What are your goals in life? Once this question is answered then prosperity will be defined as attaining those goals. For example, if your life goal is to have a high paying job so you can afford nice vacations, fancy cars, and a fabulous home … or two, then your life will be define by that pursuit.

Could it be that goals like that reflect one who is aiming way too low? Material possessions are far less secure than we would like to think. A fire, an economic collapse, or a major health diagnosis will immediately render that definition of prosperity “gone with the wind.” Aim higher by thinking about eternity. Here are four biblically proven paths that lead to real prosperity.

1. Trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior: Contrary to popular opinion, man is not basically good. All mankind is a sinner and cannot save himself. Now for the good news…the One God of all creation loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for your sins on the cross. There is life after the grave. Everyone has an eternity. Be sure that your eternity will be spent in heaven with the Lord Jesus.

2. Pursue a life filled with worship: Psalm 63:3, 4 proclaims, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live.” Prosperity is fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. God created you to worship Him. Ignoring God will lead only to fear, frustration, and ultimately failure. Worship is acknowledging God’s rule in the world and in your life. God is worthy of your trust and faith.

3. Grow in your understanding of God’s will: Walking in God’s will is not always easy. Often times it means swimming against the current of the culture. Yet there is no more fulfilling pursuit than knowing how God wants you to live. He wants you to live a life of thankfulness for His provisions, service in His name, and holiness in His Son.

4. Store up treasures in heaven: Adrian Rogers once said, “A rich man is poor when he has no treasure in heaven.” Storing your treasures in this world will only produce a breeding ground for worry and anxiety. Life will become an endless quest for securing everything you’ve accumulated. The best insurance is out of this world! Treasures stored in heaven are immune from moths, rust, and thieves. These treasures are the fruit that is produced as a result of continually abiding in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Someone once accurately stated that eternity is only one breath away. Prosperity is knowing beyond any doubt that your sins are forgiven through the finished work of Jesus Christ and that you will serve Him now during your earthly days and live with Him for all eternity.

This story was originally published November 28, 2016 at 3:08 PM with the headline "Words of Faith: Four proven paths to heavenly prosperity."