It’s All in There II

In the first part of this topic, we considered the fact that the covenant we have in Christ as believers was not only for our salvation but also for our healing. In this article, we would be looking at the subject of prosperity and what the new covenant in Christ has to say about prosperity.

The Lord’s blessings bring prosperity

The blessings of the Lord makes rich and He adds no sorrow to it. Proverbs 10:22

In this verse we are told that it is the Lord’s blessings that will make us rich. However why is there an emphasis on sorrow? There’s some wealth that is accompanied by sorrow. A look at Ecclesiastes 2:24 shows that it is important for us to enjoy our wealth and work and that the ability to do this also comes from God.

Should a Christian work hard?

It is vain for you to rise up early and stay up late to eat the bread of sorrows for He grants sleep to those He loves Psalm 127:2

Is the Bible against hard work? No, it is not. There are many verses that exalt hard work and diligence over laziness (Psalm 128:2, Proverbs 6:6-11 Romans 12:11, Colossians 3:23)

However God is encouraging us not to be overly fanatic about our work but instead to always keep Him in focus. The Jews are perceived to be among the richest in society wherever they are found. As is the case with many perceptions, there is usually some truth to them. A research revealed that out of the top 100 billionaires in the United States of America, 30 are Jews. What is special about the Jews? They are descendants of Abraham and heirs of a promise.The promise is that as descendants of Abraham, they will possess the gates of their enemies (Genesis 22:17). And a typical Jew is very aware of this pedigree.

As Christians, we are also heirs of numerous promises in the Bible concerning financial prosperity.

The Bible says as we serve God, he blesses our bread and water (Exodus 23:25). God is also the one who gives us the power to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Therefore as we go about our daily activities, we must behave like victors rather than losers and hold on to the promises of God while doing our bit.

Work hard and smart

We must also understand that we must not only work hard but must also work smart. Digging a large pit with a pickaxe is working hard while digging a large pit with an excavator is working smart. The Bible encourages us to work smart and not just to work hard. Ecclesiastes 10:10 says if the axe head is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success. There are many technological advances in today’s world. How abreast are you with the digital changes that affect the work you do? How can you leverage these changes to your advantage? COVID 19 has made technology dexterity no longer a luxury but a necessity and it is prudent to rise up to the challenge.

Don’t forget to plan

It is also important that we learn how to plan. The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty (Proverbs 21:5). The wise man plans how he is going to finish building the house before he starts.

Watch your friends

A man is also known by the friends that he keeps. It has been said that five years from now, you will be the same way but for two things : the people you meet and the books you read. There are certain friends you need to jettison if you realise that they will only sink your ship. As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17).

Prayer: Lord, we are grateful to you for the blessings associated with the new Covenant. We ask that these blessings shall be evident in our lives in Jesus name. Amen.