What is the true value of all of the accomplishments we have accumulated in our lives if our priorities are up-side-down and the final result does not involve people? So what? Why spend our entire lives seeking importance and prosperity but end up feeling empty and unfulfilled inside? This is too often what people find at the end of their "successful" journey. How does this sound? Finally acquiring our dream house that feels so lonely because we failed to invest in relationships while building it; reaching the top of the corporate ladder and having plenty of money to do all the things we always dreamed, yet too busy to spend time with our families and having none of it benefitting anyone else; investing the majority of our time becoming as fit and gorgeous as the phony, touched up versions of our favorite stars, but being too busy to help someone in need; or even accomplishing remarkable feats for the sake of Christ, yet keeping it all to ourselves and influencing no one along the way. How do our priorities get so out of whack?
It is not that these goals are without merit. I believe God wants to bless us and allow us to enjoy our lives to the fullest while on this earth as well as when we get to Heaven. However, these earthly blessings are incomplete without someone to share them with, or if our hearts aren't fully devoted to the Source of all blessings and life. If you want to live life to the fullest and enjoy all the God has in store for you, here are some things to consider:
First of all, put first things first. Jesus made it clear in John 10:10 (NLT) when He said, "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV) goes even farther to say, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." You see, it is His plan for you to be blessed and to enjoy your life, and He gives you the ability to do so. However, to fully enjoy it, your priorities must be in line. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." When your heart's desires are in line with His, and you put Him first in your life, you will be able to enjoy all that He has in store for you. However, if you focus on things, rather than the One who blesses you, you will never be satisfied.
In addition, prosperity is more of an attitude of the heart than it is a measure of material success. When we have learned to be content and satisfied with all that God has given us, then we have learned the secret to true prosperity. He knows how much we can handle and what will tip us over the edge of forsaking Him. He had warned the Israelites in Deuteronomy, chapter 8, not to forget the Lord in times of plenty. He knows that can be our tendency. Therefore,it is important to remember that our attitudes and our relationship with God will effect our level of prosperity.
But, what about other people? What does this have to do with anyone else? You see, God does not bless us just so we can hoard as much stuff as we can for ourselves. When that is our mindset, we never seem to have enough. We can develop a completely skewed idea of what prosperity really means. It really is not about stuff. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT) spells it out perfectly, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." Yes, he blesses us abundantly, but it is so that we can bless others. In the end, true prosperity is measured not in how much we accumulate or accomplish with our lives, but it is in relationships and the positive difference we have made in someone else's life.
Don't lose sight of what is really important. First of all, love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Always seek Him first. Then, love and serve others passionately. "For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Galatians 5:14 (NLT). Once those are in their proper place, then our other pursuits will have meaning and enjoyment. We will know true success and fulfillment in life.
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