Many of God's people struggle financially because they have a worldly view of financial prosperity which is summarized by the bumper sticker that says, "The one who dies with the most toys wins". Understanding the true nature of financial prosperity will bring great spiritual and financial blessing. I encourage you to practice and preach the following principles.

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, YOU ARE FINANCIALLY PROSPEROUS WHEN THREE THINGS ARE TRUE OF YOU:

1. YOU NEVER WORRY ABOUT MONEY.

"Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things" (Matthew 6:31, 32; all Scripture quotations are from the NASB original edition).

Financial prosperity, according to Jesus, means that you never lie awake worrying about how to pay the bills, you aren’t distracted by money worries during the day, and you don’t fight with your spouse over money. This freedom from worry is available to every child of God who trusts His heavenly Father to provide all his needs.

2. YOU ALWAYS HAVE ALL THE MONEY YOU NEED.

• "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

• "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything…" (2 Corinthians 9:8a).

God says you are financially prosperous when you always pay all your bills on time and all your needs are always met. And God promises to keep you in this happy condition—if you are a generous giver.

3. YOU ALWAYS HAVE EXTRA MONEY TO GIVE TO GOD'S WORK.

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed" (2 Corinthians 9:8b).

Financial prosperity includes always having an excess amount of money to give away to the work of God.

Scripture clearly teaches that God wants to bless His people with financial prosperity. That doesn't mean we'll all drive a Lexus or take a Caribbean cruise every year. But if we live and give according to biblical principles, we will never have to worry about money, we will always have all the money we need, and we will always have extra money to give away.

That's true financial prosperity.