Some of God’s children don’t understand God’s vision for prosperity. Look at the time of Job: “this man was the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3). He was the richest in his day, yet he lived for God. In the time of Isaac, the Bible says, “...the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: for he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him” (Genesis 26:13-14). Isaac’s wealth was so great that it became a threat to the king. But notice this — all these men used their wealth for God’s purpose.

The most important thing about prosperity is understanding its purpose. God Himself said, “...My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad...” (Zechariah 1:17). Prosperity is not just about having money — it is about spreading the influence of God’s kingdom.

Many people talk against God’s children having wealth because they don’t want the Gospel to spread. But God said, “My cities”. Who are the cities of God? We are. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14). God calls you a city. And when He says, “through prosperity shall my cities be spread abroad,” He was talking about you and I. Notice that He didn’t say “my city” (singular). If He had said “my city,” we might have thought He meant only Zion. But He said “my cities” — meaning all of us who belong to Him.

Here is where many miss it. Plenty of money in your pocket without the wisdom of God in your heart will make you backslide faster than the lack of it. This is why you must put God’s Word inside you — to understand the purpose of money, to know how to serve God with it, and to know how to influence your world through it. Without this understanding, wealth will control you instead of you controlling it. How do you know if money controls you? Just check your thoughts — what dominates them most of the time?

That is why the Bible warns, “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day” (Deuteronomy 8:18). God gives you power to get wealth not so you can boast or prove yourself to others, but so that His covenant will be established on the Earth. This is His plan for your prosperity — that it will serve His kingdom and His purpose.

So, make up your mind today. Use your wealth for God’s purpose. Serve God with your money. Influence your world with it. Spread His kingdom with it. Let your prosperity fulfill His vision for your life.