How can we discern temporary success from true, lasting prosperity? Text in Focus Psalm 92:7: “Though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.” Temporary Success: Green Today, Gone Tomorrow • Grass shoots up quickly, looks vibrant, but has shallow roots and withers under heat (Isaiah 40:6-8). • The wicked “flourish” only for a season—visible, measurable achievements, applause, wealth, influence. • Their end is certain: “forever destroyed.” God Himself sets the timer on their apparent momentum (Job 20:5; Psalm 73:18-20). • Key indicator: success that depends on ignoring, bending, or denying God’s commands will evaporate, even if it dazzles for a moment (Proverbs 11:18). Lasting Prosperity: Rooted, Fruitful, Enduring • The righteous “flourish like a palm tree…planted in the house of the LORD” (Psalm 92:12-14). Palms grow slowly but live centuries. • Deep roots in God’s Word: delighting, meditating, obeying (Psalm 1:2-3). • Sustained by streams that never run dry: the Spirit’s life within (Jeremiah 17:7-8; John 7:38). • Yielding fruit “in season,” not just spurts of activity—character, ministry impact, eternal reward (Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:5). • Blessing that adds “no sorrow” (Proverbs 10:22) because it aligns with God’s design and timing. • Endurance through storms; what is built on Christ’s words stands when the rain falls (Matthew 7:24-25). Discernment Checklist • Foundation: Is it built on obedience to Scripture or on personal ambition? • Method: Are God-honoring means used, or is compromise necessary? • Fruit: Do results cultivate holiness, love, and service, or pride, greed, and exploitation? • Longevity: Does it deepen faith over years, or does it fade once applause stops? • Impact: Are others drawn to the Lord through it, or merely impressed with human skill? • Peace: Does it bring inner rest and gratitude, or anxiety over keeping the façade alive (Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 26:3)? • Eternal value: Will it matter when Christ returns (1 Corinthians 3:13-14; Mark 8:36)? Living It Out Today • Measure success by faithfulness—doing the next right thing before God—rather than by numbers or applause. • Invest in hidden roots: daily Scripture intake, prayer, fellowship, repentance. • Choose slow obedience over quick shortcuts; palm-tree growth beats grass-blade flash. • Celebrate signs of God-produced fruit: transformed character, steadfast joy, generous love. • Hold earthly achievements loosely; steward them for kingdom purposes, knowing only what is done in Christ will last (1 John 2:17). |
    |