The more I thought about how to title this morning’s blog the more it sounded like something from Star Trek, “Live long and prosper”.
It made me wonder, how many seasoned saints heard Leonard Nimoy make that statement in the 1960’s and said “that sure sounds like Scripture”?
I am not a Trekkie. In fact, I’ve probably only seen a half dozen episodes of the original series and none of the movies or subsequent spinoffs. However, that theme is worth pondering.
I actually found it twice this morning in the book of Proverbs.
“By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4 NKJV
“He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 NKJV
These two verses, repeated as close together as they are, give us instruction for daily life. Life goals, as it were. Most of us want to prosper in this life but prosperity can mean different things to different people. To some it means great wealth and to others it means a life filled with joy and peace.
Jesus repeated Solomon’s teaching when He said to His disciples:
“The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.” John 10:10 NLV
Early in our marriage I had my own definition of prosperity. I told David I would know we were prosperous when I could go to the grocery store without a calculator and be able to pay for the items in my cart. That may seem very simplistic, and it is but going from not having enough to having a full cart and the money to pay for it was prosperity. It still is!
“The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLV
“ And my God will give you everything you need because of His great riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NLV
Getting to know the Father and His character, understanding the example that Jesus set for us and following the leading of the Holy Spirit bring us to a place of confidence in the promises of God.
“The Helper (Holy Spirit) will tell about Me when He comes. I will send Him to you from the Father. He is the Spirit of Truth and comes from the Father. ” John 15:26 NLV
So, the question comes. How do we live long and prosper? We humble ourselves, trusting God’s wisdom more than we do our own, and let Him direct our steps.