prosperity
"God says, 'Why are you transgressing the Lord's commands, so that you cannot prosper?' " —2 Chronicles 24:20
When we disobey God, we not only do not prosper, we cannot prosper. We may look like we're prospering, but looks are deceiving. How many superstars and celebrities are deeply depressed and suicidal? When we disobey God, even "sure things" don't work. A few Arameans came against King Joash's troops. Joash couldn't lose, but he did. "The Lord surrendered a very large force" into the Arameans' power (2 Chr 24:24). When we disobey God, we feel compelled to worry about even simple things like food, drink, and clothes (Mt 6:31). Even if we have what we need, we do not prosper because we constantly worry. "The unbelievers are always running after these things" (Mt 6:32).
Disobedience is not freedom, but misery. "Doing our own thing" is not prosperity, but problems. We were enslaved by disobedience, but saved by obedience (Rm 5:19). If we try taking control and gain our lives, we lose them (Lk 9:24). If we submit to the Lord in obedience, we gain our lives. "Seek first His kingship over you, His way of holiness, and all these things will be given you besides" (Mt 6:33). Obey King Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I delight in obeying Your commands (Ps 112:1).
Promise: "Enough, then, of worrying about tomorrow. Let tomorrow take care of itself." —Mt 6:34
Praise: Minutes before his martyrdom, St. John Fisher opened his Bible at random and read John 17:3, "Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ." Exultantly, he praised God for the last time.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Obeying God on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001