Genuine prosperity is measured not by money and possessions but by what is in the heart of man. Even without houses, property, and bank accounts, one can still be rich in faith toward God (Jas. 2:5). Jesus tells us how to build a foundation toward spiritual prosperity when He says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24–27). The key to building a successful life is found in listening to and obeying the words of Christ. It is not enough to hear Christ, we must also act upon His message. It is utterly foolish to ignore Christ’s teachings.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was constructed in 1174. Why does this tower lean fifteen feet out of line? It is because the city was built on rubble rather than on a solid foundation. We wouldn’t dream of building our homes on a faulty foundation, so why should we settle for a life that is built on one. The house built on the rock and the house built on the sand may have mirrored one another in appearance–that is, until the flood came and tested the strength of each house.
When adversity comes, will your house remain? Is your life firmly grounded on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ? If you have founded your hope on Jesus and have sought diligently to obey His word, then you can have assurance that what you have built will stand the test of time. Consider your need for spiritual prosperity–prosperity that is founded on Christ and His word. Commit yourself to reading His word every day. Apply its teaching to your life and you will have an eternal foundation.
— Glen Elliott —