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- Oct 26, 2007
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Because you did not serve the LORD your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, Deuteronomy 28:47
The expression “out of sight, out of mind” often applies to how believers treat God—especially in their prosperity.
Prosperity should increase a Christian’s joy and bring about the kind of gladness that celebrates God. Instead, it often obscures like window glare, blinding the prosperous from seeing Him.
Jesus’ disciples certainly knew spiritual prosperity. They knew the joy and gladness His words and miracles produced. He said to them: “Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it” (Luke 10:23-24 NIV).
Although their eyes were “blessed,” this prosperity eventually impaired their vision too. They began to see themselves ruling with Jesus rather than serving with Him. They became, at times, like those who passed by the wounded man, when they could have been like the Samaritan who stopped to help. Even on Good Friday, when He died for their sins, they chose self-preservation over consecration.
The solution to prosperity’s problem is to thank God, like the psalmist who wrote, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior” (Psalm 68:19 NIV).
Prayer: Lord, help me to see You, to serve You joyfully and gladly—especially in my prosperity.
The expression “out of sight, out of mind” often applies to how believers treat God—especially in their prosperity.
Prosperity should increase a Christian’s joy and bring about the kind of gladness that celebrates God. Instead, it often obscures like window glare, blinding the prosperous from seeing Him.
Jesus’ disciples certainly knew spiritual prosperity. They knew the joy and gladness His words and miracles produced. He said to them: “Blessed are the eyes that see the things you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it” (Luke 10:23-24 NIV).
Although their eyes were “blessed,” this prosperity eventually impaired their vision too. They began to see themselves ruling with Jesus rather than serving with Him. They became, at times, like those who passed by the wounded man, when they could have been like the Samaritan who stopped to help. Even on Good Friday, when He died for their sins, they chose self-preservation over consecration.
The solution to prosperity’s problem is to thank God, like the psalmist who wrote, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior” (Psalm 68:19 NIV).
Prayer: Lord, help me to see You, to serve You joyfully and gladly—especially in my prosperity.
