“The soul (appetite) of the lazy person craves and gets nothing [for lethargy overcomes ambition], But the soul (appetite) of the diligent [who works willingly] is rich and abundantly supplied.”

Proverbs 13:4 AMP

We face today the dilemma that is sweeping over the country; the lure of getting things for free! Humans were created to be productive and to be active. When God placed them in the garden the command was to take care of it!

“So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.” 

Genesis 1:26-27 AMP

It was that through stewardship of the garden that blessings would come. That condition though would change with the introduction of sin to creation. What was to be an enjoyable task was turned into an exhausting work!

“Then to Adam the LORD God said, “Because you have listened [attentively] to the voice of your wife, and have eaten [fruit] from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’; The ground is [now] under a curse because of you; In sorrow and toil you shall eat [the fruit] of it All the days of your life. 18“Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you shall eat the plants of the field. 19“By the sweat of your face You will eat bread Until you return to the ground, For from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.”

Genesis 3:17-19 AMP

Work isn’t easy, that is why it is called work! The good news is that the promise of God is that if we will be willing put forth the effort, he will prosper it! 

“The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your storehouses and in all that you undertake, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you.”

Deuteronomy 28:8 AMP

The problem comes when sin rules in our life the desires of our flesh push us to gain that which we have not earned! We are warned that,

“For all that is in the world–the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father, but are from the world.17The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever.”

1 John 2:16-17 AMP

The things of this world are a dangerous trap. The old nature of me, myself, and I can bring about untold death and destruction. The key is to focus on accomplishing that which the Master has tasked us to do! Then, and only then can we truly find fulfilment and prosperity in our lives. The Scripture is clear, 

“Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right–the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” 

Matthew 6:21-33 AMP

Let me encourage you today to not get caught in the trap of world possessions or relying on this world to meet your needs. If you commit yourself into His hands, He will never fail! Have a blessed day. Pastor Ken