Prosperity (not the prosperity gospel): God's Blessings in Every Calling

Prosperity (not the prosperity gospel): God's Blessings in Every Calling

This morning, one of my students popped into my office, buzzing with the kind of infectious excitement that reminds me why I love what I do. He was sharing his journey into entrepreneurship, a new business venture he and a friend are launching. But what struck me most wasn't the business plan or the potential for success; it was his unwavering conviction that God has been actively blessing their efforts every step of the way.

This conversation resonated deeply because I believe it touches on a misconception that often lingers within the Christian community: the idea that if you're truly "on fire" for Jesus, your calling must be in full-time ministry, and that's where God's blessings will primarily flow. Now, as the voice behind "Radical Faith: Beyond Belief," a blog dedicated to exploring the depths of faith and the power of God's work, I am certainly not discounting the profound blessings that accompany ministry. My own life is a testament to that. However, I firmly believe that limiting God's blessing to those in vocational ministry drastically narrows our understanding of His sovereignty and purpose.

This mindset often leads to another, more insidious belief: that God blesses us for us. We can fall into the trap of thinking that financial provision, success, or opportunity are primarily for our personal comfort and enjoyment. But I believe Scripture reveals a far grander purpose for God's favor in our lives.

Contrary to popular thought, God's blessings aren't about making us comfortable or accumulating personal wealth. While we undoubtedly benefit from His provision, that isn't the ultimate aim. In fact, the Bible presents a balanced perspective on material possessions, with verses highlighting both the dangers of wealth and instances of God's abundant provision. The key to unlocking a deeper understanding lies in recognizing that God blesses His people for Himself.

Think about it: our primary purpose as believers is to bring glory to God through His Son, Jesus. We are repeatedly told that if we ask anything in Jesus' name, according to God's will, for His glory, we will receive it (John 14:13-14). This understanding shifts our perspective entirely. When we approach God with requests rooted in a desire to honor Him, to further His kingdom, then we align ourselves with His ultimate purpose.

I've reached a point in my own walk where I find contentment in whatever God provides, knowing that whatever I have is ultimately entrusted to me to bring Him glory. However, it's crucial to exercise discernment. Just because we receive something we've asked for doesn't automatically mean it's a direct blessing from God. We live in a world where the enemy actively seeks to deceive, and our own desires can sometimes masquerade as divine guidance. Our efforts, knowledge, or even the influence of the enemy can lead to outcomes we might mistakenly attribute to God's blessing.

This is why the crucial question we must ask ourselves when we receive anything is: "Does this bring glory to God through His Son?" It's not necessarily about the thing itself being inherently holy, but about the motive and heart behind our request and how we intend to use what we've received. If our asking stems from selfish ambition, even if we obtain what we desire, it's unlikely to be a blessing rooted in God's will. Remember, not all good things are God things. Money, for example, is neither inherently good nor bad; it's the love of money that is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

Consider Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). When Jesus asked him to sell all his possessions, I doubt Jesus was primarily concerned with the man's material wealth. Instead, I believe He was probing the man's heart. Was he willing to surrender everything, even his security, to follow Jesus? It's quite possible that, like Abraham, had the man shown that willingness, Jesus might have allowed him to retain his possessions. God's stance on finances is often less about the amount and more about the hold it has on our hearts.

So, I say all this to encourage those "on-fire" Christians who may feel pressured to pursue full-time ministry to truly embrace their current calling as a valid avenue for God's blessing. Not every follower of Jesus is called to the pulpit or the mission field in a vocational sense. Perhaps, like my student, God has called you to build a business that operates with integrity, generosity, and a commitment to honoring Him in its practices. Maybe your calling is in the marketplace, bringing God's light and truth into your workplace. Or perhaps God has called you to the vital work of raising your children, shaping the next generation to love and serve Him.

Once we grasp that our lives are meant to bring glory to God through His Son, and we begin to live with that intention, God will bless our endeavors when we ask according to His will. If a request isn't granted, we can trust that it wouldn't have ultimately served His glory. When we surrender our lives fully to God, they cease to be about our own ambitions and become instruments for His divine purpose. Let us embrace the truth that God's blessings extend far beyond the walls of a church, reaching into every sphere of our lives, all for His ultimate glory.


Learn more about our ministry at www.theexchangemin.org



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