Wisdom, Success and Criticism

I am not surprised when a successful person is maligned on the Internet or elsewhere. Especially if they call themselves a Christian. People just don't seem to like it when Christians become exceedingly wealthy.

Jesus is the Wisdom of God "but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." 1 Corinthians 1:24. Anyone who makes a lifetime study of the Wisdom of God (and Proverbs is the Wisdom of God: the Wisdom book) would have two things happen in their life:

1. They would become more like Jesus.
2. They would become wealthy with the financial riches of this earth. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the result is prosperity  "With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity." (Proverbs 8:18) " Blessed is the man who fears the Lord..Wealth and riches are in his house..." (Psalms 112:1-3)

Both of the above would attract major criticism from worldly people. If we aspire to be successful in life (more than ordinary success) part of the preparation necessary is the ability to handle criticism or persecution. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life." (Mark 10:29-30). Success attracts persecution. Much of this criticism is likely to come from so-called "believers" but the spirit behind it all is the devil, "the accuser of the brethren" (1 Timothy 4:13).

Rodney Howard Brown once said "you can only become successful to the level of criticism you can handle. I believe that in the Kingdom of God, when a ministry of Finance is being raised up, part of the preparations in the trials and hardships leading to the wealth manifesting, is an inner strengthening so that person would have the ability to handle a degree of criticism that would crush a weaker individual. A truly successful person has an unshakable inner core that gives them the ability to rise above the opinions and criticisms of others.

Seed for the Sower

"White Lightning" Iris

He who sows generously that blessings may come to someone will also reap generously and with blessings. And God Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your resources for sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity. Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and your generosity as it is administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:6b,10,11)

How do we know when that which we have in our hand is seed, and when is it bread for our provision (since God provides seed for the sower AND bread for eating)?

If what is in your hand is sufficient for your need then that is what it is for. If what is in your hand is not enough to meet your need... it is seed! This is radical thinking but I have found it works. Every time.

Prosperity

This verse hit me like a ton of bricks recently.

Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers 3 John 1:2 (King James 2000 Bible)

If we have a problem in the area of the soul (mind/will/emotions) for example an area of emotional distress or hurt that is unresolved and unhealed, this will have a direct effect on our financial prosperity. It could also affect our health. Research has been done on psycho-sematic illnesses so it is documented how our physical body can manifest a lack of prosperity in our souls. But it works for our money too. I remember watching a Television program where a homeless person was "given" $100,000 and "followed" by the TV crew. Within just over a year that homeless person was back on the streets in a worse-off financial condition than previously (and with additional debt). It all came back to the lack of healing in this person's "soul" area especially over money issues. There have been stories done on lotto winners too often with similar results.

I have read that verse for years over and over, and even memorised it. But this week a light went on. It is vital to ensure we are healed of emotional scars in the Light of God. Unless we have dealt with emotional pain and received emotional healing for issues around finances, we do not have the mental and emotional resources required to retain large wealth.

 Our financial health depends on it.

Tickled Pink