I love Psalm 103:1-5 because of the great message of salvation and redemption within it. If I were a 100 AD evangelist, it would be one of my favourite texts for evangelistic services. It proclaims the forgiveness of all our sins, the healing of all our diseases, the redemption of our lives from destruction, and the filling of our mouth with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagles.​

What a picture of the accomplishments of the Messiah for us in the sacrifice of our Lord at Calvary. The filling of the mouth with good things is a reminder of how, after an eagle opens its beak as a result of consistent pummelling against a rock, it feeds on natural honey for renewal and nourishment. The eagle then grows new feathers to replace the old ones plucked out during the pummelling of the beak against the rock. The eagle comes out of this process looking new and, as it were, starting life afresh.​

Filling the mouth with good things is a picture of blessing and provision. God is faithful, loving, and caring. He promises in His Word to meet the needs of His children (Philippians 4:19, 2 Corinthians 9:8). As our shepherd, He leads us to green pastures (Psalm 23:1). If meeting our needs personally and for His service is prosperity, it is certainly the will of God. This contrasts sharply with the quest for materiality.​

When God’s provisions come, there is no doubt that God wants us to enjoy it (1 Timothy 6:17-18). However, there is no place for overindulgence nor for flaunting wealth as unbelievers do.​

Usually, preachers who flaunt wealth and testify a lot about financial miracles intend to boost people’s faith, but it unfortunately works contrary to their plan. Flaunting wealth can never be a godly way to demonstrate the gospel.​

A contextual study of 1 Corinthians 10-11 shows the oneness of the body of Christ. Discerning the body of Christ within the context of scripture speaks of how some Corinthians were shaming others. Paul said some saints were weak, some were sick, while others were dying prematurely (1 Corinthians 11:30). God hates speeches, attitudes, and behaviours that shame the poor.​

It is therefore important to find the balance between modelling blessing and prosperity to inspire others and flaunting wealth in a way that makes others feel belittled. This speaks to the matter of kingdom values. The Beatitudes teach us to be poor in spirit and meek. These Christian attitudes do not tally with the flaunting of wealth or speaking disparagingly about the poor.​

Prosperity is sweet. I believe it is God’s will for His children. He is a loving Heavenly Father who wants our needs met and prayers answered (Psalm 84:11). I have tasted the two worlds of prosperity and poverty, and the former is far better.​

As a father of four children, my desire for them is to be blessed with the good things of life. However, I will never have them put others down, as that is not only unnecessary but also haughty. Instead, I would rather have them share their resources with those who lack (1 Timothy 6:17-18). Our Heavenly Father desires that we enjoy His blessings and remember to share our resources with those who do not have.​

Victor Adeyemi