If you're reading this now you probably were attracted by the title of this blog. All of us are attracted to articles and posts that reveal the secrets of famous rich men who earn millions. I hope this blog does not disappoint, especially if you are a believer in Christ.
Today there are many who claim they know the secrets to health and wealth, leading us to herbs, natural vitamins and minerals, natural foods, exercises, etc. All of which are good...nothing wrong with them, even for Christians.
But so many Christians have automatically fallen into the "sales talk" of these products without realizing that God Himself promises us these things. But He does not promise them with anything else apart from our walk with Him. In reality, for believers in Christ, there are no "secrets" for anything - all there is in God's word is a "handbook" for maintaining our relationship with Him, which many of neglect with the hope of enjoying these benefits.
It all boils down to our walk with God.
You want long life and prosperity?
(1) My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, (2) for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
...then do not forget His teachings and keep His commands in your heart.
You want favor with God and man?
(3) Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. (4) Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
...Love, and be faithful, first to God and then to others, is all God asks from us
Is it a smooth path in life you want?
(5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
...then trust in Him with ALL your heart, and not in our own understanding.
Praying for good health?
(7) Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. (8) This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
...fear the Lord and shun evil.
Is it financial stability you desire?
(9) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; (10) then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Honor God with your wealth - how you spend it, share it, give it, use it. Especially with the firstfruits of our blessings.
Notice that when God promises to bless us He does not lead us to the right food, the right exercise, the right kind of work habit or attitude. All these you find in the world. This is why many of us unknowingly are following the ways of the world for all these benefits, and even asking God to bless them.
The key is in our walk with Him. Does this mean we don't watch our diet, exercise, take herbal supplements, exercise and work hard? Of course not, we are to do all of those. But in our hearts, is it really God we glorify for whatever health, wealth and success we have in life? Or is He simply a means to an end?
What these set of proverbs reminds us is that God is the ultimate end of our life. He takes care of everything else - our health, our wealth, our favor with others.
Do we love His teachings, His word? Do we live according to His love and faithfulness? Do we really trust Him with ALL our heart, and not in anything or anyone else? Do we fear the Lord, shun evil? Do we honor God with our wealth?
That is the whole point of life...nothing else.
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