Leave the World Behind for True Prosperity

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

True prosperity is not about how much you gain, but is found in the condition of your soul.

Today’s devotional reading: Luke 12:13-21

In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus pointed out the fallicies of man:

1. Covetousness is unhealthy. Life is more than how much you or another possesses. Being so concerned about possessions creates stress, frustrations, anger, and anxiety.
2. Greediness is deadly. We live in a society that glorifies gaining and storing up much. If only a few have riches, while everyone else has little, is that a prosperous society?
3. Spiritually bankrupt. Jesus once asked, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul (Mark 8:36)?” The drive for worldly riches corrupts the soul of the greedy.

The true riches is found in being rich toward God. That is, we ought to have love, unity, humility, and compassion for one another. One who is concerned with material riches over God, is doomed to repeat the sins of another. A community that values material riches over its people is doomed to fall.

To truly succeed, one must find value in seeing another succeed so that the whole can succeed. Therefore, we must learn to live for God’s way of love and grace; we must leave behind worldly principles to truly prosper.