Wrong Thinking : Prosperity is defined by how much money we have?

With Bishop Ronald K. Powell

Over the past few weeks, we have focused on fasting from wrong thinking where success is concerned. And the truth is, success or failure in life is created by how we think. So let’s create some success with right thinking. Today, I want to give you a little more of an impartation, as this is a subject that is often misunderstood.

Today we are fasting from the thought that says, “Prosperity is defined by how much money we have.”

That is wrong thinking. The prosperity God emphasizes is the PROSPERITY OF OUR SOUL. 3 John 2 says, “Beloved I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in health, even as your SOUL PROSPERS.” As our soul goes, so goes every area of our life.

Therefore, true success or prosperity means TAKING CARE OF YOUR SOUL.

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul.” In our pursuit of “gain” many people forget to take care of their soul. This is the key to real success.

Let me share with you several things that will make your soul prosperous, which in turn will bless every other area of your life:

1. Meditate on the Word of God.

It’s not just meditating on “financial” verses, though this is fine, and there are many. It’s meditating on the riches that are yours in Christ – not financial riches; BUT “soul” riches: such as wisdom, grace, righteousness. The result will be: your soul will prosper; and then your outside will catch up with your inside.

The great missionary Hudson Taylor was approached by his wife on the mission field when they were out of money – “What is left, Hudson?” she asked. “We have 25 cents, dear”, he responded, “and all the promises of God.”

2. Develop a righteousness consciousness – this is irreplaceable.

Fill your mind with the blessings of being the righteousness of God.

The devil is called in Acts 13:10 the enemy of righteousness – that’s what he opposes; because that’s what changes us. When we awake to righteousness, we will sin not. (1 Corinthians 15:34)

3. Confidence in the love of God.

Mark 1:11 says, “You are His beloved son or daughter.”

4. Develop covenant relationships.

This is a term that is often misunderstood. It means connecting with people of like mind and spirit, who are going in the same direction with God as you are. I gladly extend my covenant with you. When we have the strength of covenant partnership we will be able to handle anything – that is success and prosperity.

5. Don’t take things personally.

This is one of the great forces of “soul-poverty.” When you become the victim in someone else’s drama, your soul becomes poor.

Clear your heart and mind of all that I call “people guilt.” This is where we carry around with us the responsibility for how everyone feels toward us; we feel like we have to be the “host” at everyone’s pity party; etc.

6. Stop comparing yourself to others.

This will rob your soul of prosperity, as you languish in what you don’t have, rather than meditating on what you do have. 2 Corinthians 10:12 says that we are without understanding and without happiness when we compare ourselves to others.

THINK IT & SAY IT

I live a life of meditation on the Word of God. I am blessed with the wisdom of God, the grace of God, and the righteousness of God.

I have all the promises of God – which makes my soul prosper. I awake to being righteous in God’s eyes, through the blood of Jesus, not by anything I can do.

I put my faith and confidence in God’s love for me. He loves me and is on my side. Therefore I am satisfied by His love.

I open myself to covenant relationships that will bring strength and blessing to me and those I am in covenant partnership with. My soul will continue to prosper as I refuse to take things personally. I will not absorb people’s guilt or manipulation.

I choose to stop comparing myself to others, as this robs my soul of its health and well-being. I am grateful for what God has done in my life, and choose to focus on what I already have.

• Philippians 4:19 King James Version

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.