What is prosperity?

Many are drawn to a prosperity of money, sex, power and fame, gaining influence over others to get what they want. Yet if we get, someone else must lose. We leave a trail of hurting people. So, the prosperous-

… wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. [Psalm 73:5-8NLT]

Those who have surrendered their souls for this prosperity are-

… like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. [Psalm 1:4-5NLT]

God desires-

… this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, … [Galatians 5:22NLT]

Instead of a trail of hurting people, those who choose God’s prosperity leave behind a trail of love, joy and peace. Love will be tested by the offer of ‘prosperity’ so I need God’s love to stay true-

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked … But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees … bearing fruit each season. [Psalm 1:1-3NLT]

When I invest in God, he blesses with a prosperity that brings joy, not mere appearances attempting to suppress a churning heart. So, do I choose to aim for the prosperity that offers what ‘I want’ or that which leaves behind love and good fruit?