What Does it Mean to Prosper?
True Prosperity is not About What I Have, but About Who Has Me.
The word “prosper” conjures up images of wealth and material success. Many believe that accumulation of worldly possessions is an indication of God’s blessing. But true prosperity looks nothing like worldly accumulation. It is not measured by how much we have, but by how much we trust in God and follow His will.
God’s Word to us - the Bible - gives us a different perspective on prosperity than the world does. It tells us that prosperity is not dependent on external circumstances, but on internal alignment with God’s word and purpose. The Book of Psalms opens with an illustration of one who dwells in a deep-seated joy and contentment in God:
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:3
The tree does not prosper because of its labor, but because of its location. The person who shuns evil and embraces God’s precepts will prosper, not as a result of human effort, but of divine grace. The person who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night is like a tree planted by streams of water. The tree does not have to worry about drought or famine, because it is constantly nourished by the Source of life. The tree does not have to strive for fruitfulness, because it naturally produces fruit in season.
The prophet Jeremiah echos Psalm 1 in Chapter 17:7-8:
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah’s passage adds the contrast between the one who trusts in the Lord and the one who trusts in human strength.
The one who trusts in the Lord is blessed, while the one who trusts in human strength is cursed (Jeremiah 17:5-6).
The one who trusts in the Lord is like a tree planted by the water, while the one who trusts in human strength is like a bush in the wastelands.
The one who trusts in the Lord does not fear when heat comes, while the one who trusts in human strength dries up in the heat.
The one who trusts in the Lord has no worries in a year of drought, while the one who trusts in human strength lives in constant anxiety.
The one who trusts in the Lord never fails to bear fruit, while the one who trusts in human strength is fruitless and barren.
The Bible perspective on prosperity is not a matter of having more, but of trusting more. It is not a matter of achieving success, but of receiving grace. It is not a matter of controlling our destiny, but of surrendering to God’s sovereignty.
Sovereignty Amidst Uncertainty
The past few turbulent years have provided opportunity for me to consider prosperity through my personal experience. I have learned that prosperity is not about what I have, but about Who has me. It is not about what I do, but about what God does in and through me.
In 2020 I was in a job which I thought I would continue in and eventually retire from. My family was rooted in a small town where we had many friends and thought we’d live for the rest of our lives. But when the pandemic and the political unrest of that summer cut dividing lines within the church and community, relationships became strained. It became difficult to move forward together and continue in my CFO role. At the same time, we were being called home to Ohio to help with an ailing parent.
So, we pulled up stakes and headed back East, not knowing quite what the future would hold. I landed a job that paid well and gave me the W-2 income I needed to qualify for a loan to buy a house. But as I got deeper into the work, I realized that there were ethical gaps that could not be bridged. I couldn't continue to support unscrupulous behavior, and that job came to an end.
We entered a period of uncertainty, wandering in the fog with so many loose ends, unresolved questions, lack of closure and sense of loss. Why did I move my family 2,000 miles? Did I make a mistake? No, even though it was not the situation that we would choose, we moved for good reasons. Even though we cannot see the end, we know the story isn’t over and we know the Author who is writing the future and will bring all things to a conclusion that is perfectly just and glorifies Him.
Moving Ahead Confidently
We can walk confidently because we are in God’s hands. He is with us through it all, guiding, comforting, and providing. He gives us the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). He gives us the hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). He gives us the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8).
The Lord also gave me a new vision and a new purpose. He led me to start Crosstribe Advisory, a CPA firm that aims to “hold the ropes” for mission-minded organizations and people, so that they can see their goals realized for the sake of their families and communities until the Lord returns. He’s opening doors for me to connect with clients who share the same passion and values. He is enabling me to use my gifts and skills to serve His kingdom more widely.
Through all these changes and challenges, I have learned what it means to prosper as a Christian. It means to rest in the deep-seated assurance that God is in control of all things, even when I'm going through things that I cannot understand. It means to delight in His word and meditate on it day and night, so that I can grow in His wisdom and grace. It means to trust in His promises and power, so that I can overcome any obstacle and bear fruit in any season. It means to follow His will and plan, so that I can fulfill His purpose and enjoy His presence.
Let’s Prosper Together
If you need help navigating uncertain financial territory, or need someone to hold the ropes while you tend to your highest and most valuable tasks, let’s talk. We can add value by helping you identify and remove roadblocks and help you reach your goals. You can reach Jim Cross at 937-234-7780 or jim@crosstribe.net.