Prosperous

Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 NKJV)

The Amplified version puts it this way, “command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing.” A key component to your Christian witness is to be financially self-sufficient. Operating in God’s favor and wisdom will make you a prosperous person who is financially self sufficient.

For example, God’s favor gave the children of Israel a land whose hills were filled with raw materials and it was God’s wisdom that enabled them to mine and develop it into something useful. The favor and wisdom of God gave King Solomon all sorts of “witty inventions” or what we would call today technologies. These inventions made the nation militarily strong, secure and very prosperous amongst the nations.

If you seek the Lord like King Solomon (I Kings 3:11-13) did you will find both the favor and wisdom to become a prosperous person who commands the respect of the outside world. Unfortunately, King Solomon did not finish strong because He forsook the Lord in his prosperity. Don’t make the same mistake when prosperity comes but keep your priorities and finish strong!