Authors note: In the current theological argument between ‘hyper-grace’ and ‘holiness’ preachers, ‘prosperity’ is looked upon with derision as a ‘hyper-grace’ teaching. But to be honest, prosperity is a biblical theme from Genesis to Revelation. In these days of tough economic times almost worldwide, a balanced look at the principles of prosperity can be refreshing, and even life changing. By the way, I think the whole ‘hyper-grace’ versus ‘holiness’ argument grows out of a fundamental misunderstanding of the doctrine of salvation (salvation being a slightly more complex subject than most people seem to think), but that is a story for another day.

PROSPER? WHO ME? YES, YOU!

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Prov. 4:18 KJV

To prosper simply means to get better and better. Your health, your financial situation, your possessions, family, ministry, community, and nation are to all get better and better over time as you are in the will of God. If that is true, then you are prospering.

Material prosperity, or wealth building, is a fundamental fruit of walking with God. You see it in Abraham, the father of faith, in the children of Israel leaving Egypt, and in the wilderness, in Jerusalem under David and Solomon. Jesus’ ministry was a study in prosperity itself. Jesus and the disciples had so much abundance that His treasurer could steal enough money to buy property, and still, they had all needs covered. They ate with people who owned perfume that cost a year’s wages. The seamless tunic that the Master wore wasn’t bought at Kmart (think Nordstroms or Dolce & Gabbana)!

Outside of individual irresponsibility, perhaps the two greatest reasons for poverty are corrupt leadership and war.

Proverbs tells us that there are two great principles of material prosperity or wealth building: favor and diligence. Do you see that?

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22 KJV

 He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Prov. 10:4 KJV

 Let’s talk about favor first.

 Favor is a synonym for grace. You receive favor or grace as a gift of love to you. But the question is how do I position myself to receive that favor or grace? Under the Old Covenant, you were positioned for favor by tithing (a tenth of your income) out of love note the awesome provisions of favor that were made available to the loving tither!

 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts. Mal 3:10-12 KJV

No war in that land (remember, war destroys wealth) because it is a delightsome land, full of favor. When God’s people would love God with all their heart, and present their sacrifice of the tithe, they would be positioned to receive the rain of His favor. It’s the same truth, but perhaps in even greater measure of favor, under the New Covenant.

But this I say, He, which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he, which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Cor. 9:6-8 KJV

Under the New Covenant, which is far greater in glory and blessing, you wouldn’t do less than under the Old Covenant. If you, as a New Covenant believer, want to be positioned to receive favor, you may consider tithing into the Kingdom, and even going beyond the tithe in sacrificial, generous giving.

Under the New Covenant, we position ourselves for favor by giving and sowing generously into the Kingdom out of love and appreciation for the Father and the Son.

Now let’s talk about diligence.

Diligence is the steadfast application of the right principle to achieve excellence. Whenever excellence is lost as a standard, poverty and mediocrity are right around the corner, following along behind like a lost dog. Excellence must become a habit in all that the born again one does – whether it is washing a window or preaching the Word of God. The reality is that they will do the greater the same as they do the lesser. The reward for excellent work is more work. Mercy will cover mistakes in the work of one who strives for excellence. Remember, a born again one works any job just as if their employer was named Jesus!

Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that (which) is destroyed for want of judgment. Prov. 13:23 KJV

Savings out of economizing is an important component in wealth building or material prosperity. A family budget can be a key plan to good stewardship. A simple budget of your income is this: tithe ten percent regardless of your circumstances, save ten percent for financial flexibility and freedom, pay your fixed expenses, and use wisdom with your discretionary spending.

If you are serving the Lord, you should probably have multiple income streams, like Paul and Peter did (fishing business and tent making respectively, besides the offerings). If you are serving the Lord, you should also receive an offering for your ministry wherever you preach. You are dishonoring people when you don’t give them a chance to give. A workman is worthy.

Do you see it? Favor and diligence, dear one excuses are for unbelievers. God’s mercy is new every morning get up and get in the game!

I love you, dear one. I can state unequivocally that God our Father and our Lord Jesus want you to prosper, for you and your life to get better and better. This life can be a little taste of Heaven if we are diligent and receive His favor. Circumstances do not control you. It’s you and God that makes the difference. If you want my secret formula for getting a job, just ask. Prosperity is for sons and daughters of the King, you and I!

Remember, dear ones, we must be about our Father’s business.