"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." - Joshua 1:7-8
Everyone wants to be successful in life, to live without worry about their future, don't you think? How do you measure success in your life? In your new life. The one you have been living since you were born again by faith. The one based upon what God - the One who created you from dust has deemed to be important. Do you think it strange that Jesus didn't say that there were three great commandments upon which the whole law was hanging? (Matthew 22) Love God, Love Others, and accumulate possessions and money.
I remember an illustrative story about a man who wrote in his will that all of his wealth would be converted to gold bars and put in his coffin. He died and his final wishes were fulfilled. As he approached St. Peter at the gates of heaven, he was dragging his coffin behind him. St. Peter asked, "So what is in the box?" To which the man replied, "Everything that I treasured while I was on earth." St. Peter looked in the casket then looked at the man - confused and said, "Pavement?" What the world considers prosperity and success, what is right and responsible, is not how God sees it.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." - 1 John 2:15-16
My point is not whether you have money or possessions - but does the money and possessions have you? What is your happiness, your feeling of well-being contingent upon?
When 2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks of old things passing away - that includes allowing the things of this world to captivate your heart. To become your god - your source of provision - what you put your faith in. My encouragement to you.
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4
In the context of the previous verse references, I believe that if you turn your focus God-ward then, in the process, God will change you heart so that you desire what He desires. Your joy and fulfillment will be independent of your social and financial standing and dependent upon your relationship with the Lord.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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