Balance
The English word Balance whether noun or verb is used and/or applied in many different ways.
For this discussion, I want to use just one of the noun and one of the verb definitions:
N. equipoise (a state of equilibrium) between contrasting, opposing, or interacting elements; i.e. the right balance of diet and exercise
V. to bring into harmony or proportion; i.e. to balance career and family life.
Prosperity
We have been conditioned throughout our lives to view Prosperity solely in financial terms.
If one is prosperous it must mean they are financially well off.
They have the gift of making a lot of money. They have “made it”.
Even Meriam-Webster defines Prosperous as “the state of being successful usually by making a lot of money”.
When looking at the list of synonyms, financial terms dominate: wealth, riches, capital, assetts, fortune, worth, opulence, substance.
In this essay, I want to view the idea of prosperity in a broader context in terms of balance (equipoise) across all facets of life.
I want to argue that financial success is but one piece of a larger puzzle that must harmonize with all other pieces to achieve a truly balanced prosperity in life.
And, Peace of Mind . . .
A Biblical Principle
Regardless whether you believe that the Bible is truly God’s word or not (I do), there is an abundance of wisdom to be gained from reading it.
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not teach against financial prosperity.
Actually, it has a lot to say about financial gain, both good and bad.
Many (particularly Christians) gloss right over the word “love” in 1Timothy 6:10 -
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Read it again. It does not say “money is the root of all evil”.
This is a warning of the consequences of making financial prosperity an idol.
When looking at the context of the whole passage (vs. 3-10) Paul is addressing financial gain within the realm of contentment.
In other words, don’t make becoming rich your sole objective, overshadowing all the other aspects of life. It’s just one slice of the pie.
Those that pursue riches at the expense of everything else . . .
“fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition . . . which coveting after “they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
That’s hard-hitting truth there and sadly, it is either not taught or it’s portrayed in a worldly philosophy.
Galatians 6:6-10 puts this in the context of sowing and reaping. The ultimate purpose of doing well financially is found in verse 10 - enabling us to do good to and for as many people as we can.
From just viewing these particular passages, I believe we get a sense of prosperity in this broader context.
So, I want to look at a few places where prosperity is specifically talked about in this way.
Success and Wisdom
Joshua 1:7-8
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Alright - get past the Elizabethan language thing already. You know you understand what it is saying.
Plus I want to emphasize a point -
These two verses talk about prosperity in a much larger sense than simply financial terms.
The words prosper in verse 7 and success in vs. eight are the exact same Hebrew word.
It means -
to be circumspect and hence intelligent: - to consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent (-ly), (give) skill (-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand (-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise (-ly), guide wittingly.
So, we’re dealing with an arena of meaning, not just financial, although that is certainly included in the context.
Prosperous in vs. 8 is from a root Hebrew word meaning
to push forward, in various senses (literally or figuratively, transitively or intransitively): - break out, come (mightily), go over (the top), be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper (-ity, -ous, -ously).
This can be applied to all aspects of our lives for balance.
When we are sound in our relationships, confident in our character, and prudent (exercising wisdom) in our dealings, we can expect financial prosperity to be included in the mix.
Mainly as a bi-product of the process vs. a prize to be pursued.
When any of these areas are over-emphasized to the exclusion of all else, an imbalance of prosperity occurs.
We see the results of this throughout society:
the rich jerk
the tyrannical leader
the destitute addict
the arrogant aristocrat
the impoverished intellectual
the miserable miser
The falsely humble Christian
. . . and on we could go.
What all of these people have in common is that they have neglected one or more of the areas of life.
They have failed to achieve a balanced prosperity.
Lack of knowledge results from cultural and societal conformity
There are multitudes of reasons why this might be so. Mainly, though, it comes down to being educated (actively and passively) to conform from the earliest of ages.
We are taught to “get a good education, find a good job, settle down and go through life on auto-pilot.
Earlier this year, I wrote a series on “Comfortable Misery” - all about conformity. Here is part 2:
Today, it’s even worse.
Many schools are teaching a Flawed (and evil) socialist philosophy that (financial) prosperity is bad.
In order for one person to be prosperous, they must step on many others, so the teaching goes.
This is the reason why, in a rather prosperous country/society, the majority of people never have that epiphany and remain wrapped in their bubble of ignorance, prejudice, and poverty (relatively speaking) for the rest of their lives.
I could go on, but the goal here is to show how that prosperity is a balance of multiple facets of life, not just financial.
Unfortunately, balanced prosperity is not taught in school or at home.
It is up to us to figure this out later in life and successfully take steps to change our circumstances.
Thank God, also, that there are many who take it upon themselves to teach others.
This principle of a passdown education is emphasized to a young preacher, Timothy, by the Apostle Paul:
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2
Of course, Paul was speaking of Biblical precepts, but the principle applies across the board of life.
There are some other things I have learned over the years on this subject, but that will have to be for part two of this study.
So, here are the take aways for us:
The common teaching is that prosperity = financial accumulation
Wealth is but one aspect of a balanced prosperity
Studying the Bible will open up a whole new perspective on many aspects of life, including the subject of prosperity
There are many examples of prosperity imbalance, even in a mostly prosperous society
When we learn a principle, in this case true prosperity, we should also be willing to teach it to others
I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this somewhat controversial and touchy subject.
Please feel free to comment below.
I’m still learning much myself, so let’s have that discussion.
Until next time, friends . . .