…May (God) give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints… Ephesians 1:17-18
An Abundant Life?
What is the hope of His calling? What are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints? It was Paul’s desire that 
the saints would see deeper into God’s will so that we might know true prosperity and the primary purpose behind it.
Sadly, far too many Christians believe that God’s blessings are entirely evident in their amassed possessions, thus they’ve become about as discerning as a three-year old choosing between an ice cream cone and a savings bond. Regardless of value, they opt for immediate satisfaction every time. They lack the spiritual capacity to see the bigger picture and are unable to appropriately distinguish between temporary and eternal.
For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48b
Those who cling to prosperity are not prosperous; they are idol worshipers. The Father would have us know that an abundant life is realized when we understand that our inheritance is found in Christ and not in earthly treasures that He allows us to possess for a season. These things are of God, but they are not designed as rewards for our faith – prosperity is the means by which we can bring honor, glory, and praise to Jesus.
Consider This Lady
Her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:”Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:10b-31
The virtuous wife is a heavenly portrait of prosperity with a purpose and an example for every believer. She has received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Her eyes have been enlightened. She knows the hope of His calling and the riches of the glory of His inheritance. She doesn’t give more than she gets, she gives as she gets and therefore lacks nothing. She’s submitted and obedient to Jesus.
Meditate
Read Proverbs 31 again and note the action(s) that follow the word ‘she.’
- Who is her provider?
- Who is her motivation?
- What are her expectations?
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
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