"A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished." Proverbs 28.20
Those who prioritize their loyalty to God will abound with blessings in due time.
But those who are in a hurry to become rich are foolishly chasing the wind. Sooner or later, they will be punished by their own greed.
"Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." Proverbs 3.9-10
What calls the attention of the Creator is the obedience of His children. The firsfruits of all your increases are the firstfruits of your harvest.
The firstfruits are no different than the last.
But, for the Lord God they are. They are more import than all the rest of the harvest.
The firstfruits represent faithfulness, consideration, respect, priority and, above all, faith.
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake." Matthew 5.11
Indeed, the Kingdom of God is not for the timid or cowardly.
Knowing that man is sensitive to the devil's taunts, he instigates his children to persecute the children of God through slander, defamation, unreasonable accusations and lies, with the clear objective of making them become discouraged in the faith.
Knowing that we would endure all this, the Lord Jesus guaranteed that this would be a reason for rejoicing and joy.
He says that we are blessed.
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory..." 2 Corinthians 4.17
Paul knew the meaning of affliction very well.
His Christian life was marked by tribulations. And yet, he considered them light and but for a moment.
Because he was spiritual, he knew that even though afflictions may be very difficult, they are nothing compared to what God has in store for His faithful servants.
It is worth bearing all the bumps in the road of life and maintaining the faith.
"...having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck." 1 Timothy 1.19
Sin brings on a bad conscience. A bad conscience brings on doubt. Doubt neutralizes faith, which brings on death.
Many have had their faith suffer shipwrecks because they rejected a good conscience.
Those who prize their salvation maintain their faith and a good conscience.
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3.20-21
The power of the Lord Jesus exceeds everyone's understanding. It is impossible to imagine it. Therefore, it is essential to trust in His promises and not complain, whine or grumble about the time we think they are taking to happen in our lives.
The complaints made in the dessert caused the old Israel to loose 40 years and not see the Promised Land.
I think the secret to being a winner is to have faith in His promises and know how to wait.
"Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you." Psalm 128.1-2
Fear and obedience of His Word are the secret to happiness.
Fear of God is respect, consideration, zeal, reverence and devotion to the Almighty, Eternal and Sovereign Lord God.
This behavior, summed to the practice of His Word, inevitably equals His consideration towards the faithful.
