Knowing what to ask: the true secret of prosperity (II and final)

Last week, we said that GOD was so impressed by Solomon’s request that He granted it and blessed him without measure saying: “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honour, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honour, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”  2Chr 1:11-12

We also said that anyone wanting to experience such mind-blowing prosperity would have to follow Solomon’s example and:

          1. Honour the LORD

          2. Mind, love and take care of GOD’s people.

You can read that here. Now, this is the third and last thing that you would also need to do:

3. Do not be selfish or self-centred in your prayers

James said: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God”(4:3-4)

If you pay attention to GOD’s answer to Solomon, you’ll note that, in a not-so-positive tone, He alluded to the Top 5 of what Christians like to pray for:

• Riches – In Solomon’s shoes, many Christians would have asked for money. “Give me ten millions dollars!” Thinking that such amount would solve their problems forever. And yet, there are billionaires who die of cancer; commit suicide; divorce more than once; go bankrupt; or have irresponsible children etc. In short, money is not necessarily synonymous with happiness…

• Possessions – Some other Christians would have asked for mansions, cars, a Ferrari (regardless of the state of the roads and speed limits), a private jet, designers clothes and accessories, all manner of electronic gadgets etc. the love and lust for the things of the world (1Jn 2:16-17)…

• Honour (glory in some versions) – Some Christians would have asked for anything that would make them shine before men. They want to be celebrities – political stars, stars in the Show Business and even Evangelical stars! “Lord, I want to preach before thousands.” However, deep down, they are not driven by the desire to win souls, which is only secondary; but by the desire to parade before crowds mainly. And if the video of the event can go viral and create a buzz on social media, it’s even better. The pride of life (1Jn 2:16)…

• The death of enemies – This is another Christian specialty: imprecatory prayers. Killing real and imaginary enemies by the power of prayers and ‘barbecuing’ them with Holy Ghost fire! What has ever happened to: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who insult you and persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven… If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? …And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Mat 5.44-47) On the Cross, Jesus could have said one word and all his enemies would have died on the spot. But when GOD asked Him (in his heart) to place a request, He said instead: “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Think about that.

• A long life – In spite of everything that the Bible says concerning heaven, many Christians are still afraid to die. They want to stay here and enjoy life as long as possible. They may sing of the wonders of the presence of GOD, but if the LORD were to take them at their word and say: “OK, since you so long after heaven and my presence, come here!” There would be panic, wailings and supplications. GOD wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Analyse your prayers over the last couple of months. Which category do they fall in? Have you been praying for the salvation of souls? Spiritual growth? Wisdom and discernment to do your job or raise your children well? Wisdom to be a good and godly spouse? Wisdom to lead GOD’s people? Do your prayers seek after GOD’s interests or yours? If you want GOD to mind and take care of your needs and desires, delight in Him (Ps 37:4); take care of what matters to Him first and the rest will follow. “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mat 6:33).

THAT is the secret of prosperity and there is no other – except you choose to bow to the devil (Mat 4:8-9). To paraphrase my pastor, don’t ask GOD to bless what you are doing and don’t ask Him what YOU want; but instead, find what GOD is blessing and do it, find what He wants and ask for it; because if you ask anything according to His will He’ll hear you and grant you whatever it is that you’ve asked (1Jn 5:14-15).

To your prosperity!