Psalms 73:2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
This passage of scripture, written by Asaph, describes a common problem many Christians have, of reconciling why those who do not fear God, are sometimes very prosperous, whereas the true followers of Christ are for the most part not wealthy. As Asaph observed this phenomena he became disturbed by what seemed to be a paradox in the lives of two kinds of people, who hold and live by two entirely opposing views. In attempting to answer this question we should be very careful not to reach un-scriptural conclusions about the path of the just, for God has given in His word, very distinct instructions for godly living, which when applied evenly and consistently by the grace of God, results in most cases, in tremendous success across the entire spectrum of the Christian's experience. This sacred truth is distinctly stated in the Bible. Let's read:
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
One of the main causes for the seeming disparity between Christians and unbelievers, as far as prosperity is concerned, has to do with our tendency to depart from the instructions given in God's word, which often results in loss, failure, defeat, and poverty. We should remember here, that there are two opposing forces in the world, battling for our hearts and minds, and therefore the principles upon which each of them operate to achieve desired results, differ greatly, and are as far as the east is from the west. For instance, even though our focus as Christians should not be the accumulation of riches, yet the fact of the matter is that there are two ways of becoming rich. We can become very prosperous if we acknowledge The Eternal God, by accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior, and by adopting His methods and principles of righteousness, such as honesty, integrity, diligent labor, truth, benevolence, frugality, and truthfulness etc. The Bible certifies this sacred truth in words that cannot be denied or misconstrued. Let's read the following two passages of scripture very carefully:
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
But there is another way in which we can get rich, by bowing down to satan when we follow his principles and methods, such as fraud, lying, oppression, dishonesty, idolatry, stealing, false advertisements, and a general disregard of God and His righteousness. Let's read:
Luke 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
This second method of accumulating wealth is the much more common one adopted by millions of people, and is described in the Bible as being the "Broad road" that leads to destruction. And in addition to the wealth that is thus obtained, we have the burden of a seared conscience, alienation from God, the forfeiting of eternal life, and the many sorrows which accompany wealth that is gotten in an ungodly manner. We often wonder why rich stars like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Marilyn Monroe, have died prematurely, in very unfortunate ways. The Bible gives us the answer, for it was only after Asaph went into God's sanctuary, that he received the true perspective on life. Let's read:
Psalms 73:16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. 19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
The plan of redemption caters for both the rich and the poor alike, and there are many wealthy men mentioned in the Bible narrative, who will be saved in God's kingdom. Men like Abraham, Daniel, Jacob, David, Joseph, and others too numerous to mention, were all very wealthy, and according to the scriptures, the world's richest man, (Solomon), was a God-fearing man, even though he himself had stumbled on account of his wealth. The big difference for the Christian is that our focus in this life should not be the mere accumulation of riches and material things, but rather a deep and abiding relationship with our Creator, for life is not worth the living without Christ, and all the riches in this world will never purchase immortality. That's why Christ on one occasion asked the all important question,"What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which cautions us not to set our affections on the things of this world, but rather to follow after righteousness and holiness, without which no one shall see The Lord. Let's read:
1st timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
May the grace of God and the fellowship of The Holy Spirit, keep our hearts and minds focused on eternal realities, instead of the temporal,and material things of this life, for in the final analysis, the blessing will be poured out upon the meek, who shall ultimately inherit the earth. "Good night" and God bless!