That provision is a wonderful inheritance which God has prepared for His children. Those who are mature, responsible and faithful will receive it. Galatians 4:1-2 says, "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father."
So even though we may qualify as heirs to receive our inheritance, childlike tendencies will hinder us.
That may sound unfair, but it really isn't. For example, I love my daughters, but I can't give them a car because they aren't old enough or mature enough to handle it. Likewise, our heavenly Father loves us too much to give us things we can't handle. Therefore it's important that we understand what's needed to walk in the abundant life.
Although progress may vary from person to person, God expects us to grow in all areas of our lives—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. In fact, He makes it happen. Psalm 115:14 says, "The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children." We can make the growth process easier by desiring more of God's Word.
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). That means, when we are thirsty for the Word, we put a demand on the Holy Spirit Who causes us to grow. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).
Spiritual Growth
You see, God expects us to grow spiritually. And as we continue in our walk with the Lord, we will have grace—God's willingness to anoint us with His power and ability - to extend to others. Likewise, we will win souls to Jesus because we have a greater knowledge of Him.
It will require that we make a quality decision to allow God's Word to mature us. First Corinthians 13:11 says, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."
Child of God, if you're still carrying a chip on your shoulder because of something that happened in the past, get over it and move on! Stop allowing jealousy to keep you from rejoicing when a brother is promoted. And whatever you do, don't concern yourself with what people may think of you. One of the biggest barrier breakers for me was getting delivered from people bondage. Trust me, it can be done.
Grow up and be free from your old ways in order to fulfill your destiny. If what people think about you moves you more than God's Word, then God isn't the Head of your life. God can't work through you when all you're concerned about is popular opinion. John 12:42-43 says, "…Because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."
We need to get our priorities straight. It's very simple: God is our loving Father. He is the all-powerful and all-knowing creator and possessor of heaven and earth. We should live to please Him. What Sue, Johnny and Joe think doesn't matter.
We should be focused on God. Our harvest of blessings are crying out to us (James 5:4). It's our right. And we can't afford to be distracted by the naysayers. There's too much at stake!
Listening to criticism and sarcastic remarks will cost you your healing, provision and the salvation of family members if you allow it to affect you. You see, it's not only about you. God wants to bless you so that you can bless others (Gen. 12:2-3).
You must beware. Satan will use people to tell you that it's wrong to prosper and be blessed. But he is the father of lies (John 8:44). He will try to shame you out of what is rightfully yours. If he succeeds, God's Word won't be effective in your life.
Rest assured, prosperity is nothing to be ashamed of. God's Word says, "Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them" (Isa. 61:6-7).
In other words, the wealth belonging to unbelievers will be ours. And if we suffered any shame, we will receive double. You see, the devil tries to hurt us by putting shame on us. But God turns it around and blesses us all the more.
So be bold enough to apply the Word of God to your life and receive His blessings with a grateful heart. It doesn't matter who disagrees with your acts of obedience. Walk in complete liberty from people and their opinions so you can possess all the Father has for you. "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Gal. 5:1).
You Are Free; So Act Like It
If you are born again, Jesus Christ has made you free from the bondage of opinions so you can glorify God, free from poverty so you can be rich, and free from sickness and disease so you can be healed. He made you free to walk in liberty.
The gauge in determining your spiritual maturity level is the words you speak. Those words play a part in the delivery or delay of you receiving your inheritance. Proverbs 17:28 says, "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
Don't be a fool. Exercise the wisdom of God—the Word. Learn when to speak and when to be silent. Use your words to edify others, not to tear them down.
We are ambassadors to the King of kings (2 Cor. 5:20). Therefore, we should represent Him with our possessions as well as in our behavior.
"For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed" (Isa. 61:8-9).
Like any loving father, God wants us all to grow up and mature. He has prepared a great inheritance for us. Make a quality decision to obtain wisdom through His Word and spend quality time in His presence. Before you know it you'll be walking in His freedom…and in His blessings continuously.
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