Overcome the World

July 29

The ‘Name-It-And-Claim-It’ branch of Christianity assures the masses that all that is necessary to achieve fortune and have a great life is to place one’s life at the feet of Jesus—and to, “Keep those cards and letters coming.” The proponents of the “Prosperity Gospel” aggrandize their own coffers every time someone falls for their tripe.

And that is not to say Christians can’t be wealthy or can’t wield power in the political arena or can’t be in positions of influence in the classroom or in the boardroom. It is certainly the desire of the Lord that His people be influential in the theater of life, for His Kingdom is furthered when His people command respect and authority.

But it is never His intent that achieving worldly wealth and power becomes the focus of those who profess to love Him and trust Him for their eternal salvation. He wants His people to know that the greatest treasure they can possess is the free gift He’s given them of eternal salvation and the most power they can ever hope to obtain is that which they achieve when they are on their knees.

Jesus Himself said in John 16:33, “I have told you these truths so you may have complete peace in Me. Though you may have tribulation in the world, you can be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” Whether blessings come or trials assail, whether riches flow or poverty devours, the man of faith knows his abiding, eternal treasure is worth much more than all else he might ever gain or lose.