Why Prosperity?

Updated: July 2, 2025

Jesus told a story about a dysfunctional family that looks a lot like the worldwide Christian family today. It’s commonly called The Prodigal Son, referring to the temporarily-unrestrained living of the younger brother. Yet in this story, we also see the incredible generosity and wealth of the Father. Notice the attitude of the older brother, quite perturbed at the younger brother for getting to enjoy the celebration of his return. He says “Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends….” Notice the Father’s response: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” The Father reminded him that he could enjoy his inheritance at any time.

So it is today for God’s people. Jesus said, “it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom!” Why do many act as though following God has no earthly reward, when there is so much biblical and extrabiblical evidence to the contrary? The United States of America still demonstrates what is possible when people base their government and their businesses on Christian principle. (The outcomes of nations based on atheism are also evident.) Our prosperity gives us a voice, influence and great tools with which to accomplish what God wants to do in the earth. (See also Why Me?)

What do you call someone who always has access to more than he needs? Blessed! As members of God’s household, we have access to all of God’s resources. So even if you don’t see money in your pocket right now, just know that God wants to get you everything you need — and more — so much that you “can be generous on every occasion.” You can learn to receive it all by faith. Let’s find out how to receive God’s very best, both in this age and in the one to come!
(Luke 15:11-32, Deuteronomy 8:18, Matthew 25:20-21, John 16:24, Isaiah 1:19, Ephesians 2:19, Ephesians 4:28, 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV, Ecclesiastes 9:16, Proverbs 3:13-18)