“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2)
This principle or rule, found in scripture, is at the heart of all success. It has to do with getting things in order, putting first things first. And it is about integrating all of life’s most important parts so everything fits together properly. The wisdom here has been passed down for thousands of years through the Bible for the benefit of all believers. It is one of the first rules to an abundant life.
But, what does it really mean?
We will discuss five basic principles found in scripture that form the foundation to a life of integrity, which leads to abundance. Following these rules will set up a framework that everything else in life can be based on.
You might have heard of “principle centered leadership”. But rarely are the specific principles revealed. That’s what we will break down here.
So, what is a principle?
prin・ci・ple/ˈprinsəpəl/
Noun: 1. A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.
2. A rule or belief governing one’s personal behavior and speech.
These principles, once understood completely and embraced fully, will not only cause a massive mind shift, but begin a transformation in those around you and in the universe itself as it relates to your well being.
Man is uniquely created to not mirror the world around him but to change the world to reflect what is inside of him.
Man was created as a creative being.
Whole books could be written on each individual principle and very many have been. But in this case, it will be given to you in summary. You will find plenty of stories to make it flesh out in real life as your eyes see more deeply.
Share this valuable information with everyone as a tool to better our world. Although all these principles can be found in scripture and other writings, this concise document will bring them together for you in one place so you can apply them to your life and share them more easily.
Before anyone ever begins to become a success, it is highly advised that they are mindful and obedient to these five divine principles, otherwise the consequence of ruining themselves and those they love is a stark possibility because of the mismanagement of power. Evil with power multiplied can become exponentially more destructive than ignorance without great power.
Everyone knows of very wealthy and successful people that have never learned how to live in true integrity. We have heard of the rock stars, political figures, athletes and entertainers that have killed themselves and others, or became depressed and hopeless despite their enormous successes of fame, glory and riches. Those that ruined themselves with power and success were never truly integrated or whole and they simply couldn’t handle the rapid trajectory of fame and fortune in their state of being. They lacked the first principles. So consider sharing this with those it could help the most.
Now we begin with the most important first principle.
Rule #1 – Be Wholehearted (have integrity of heart)
We need to understand what it means to have integrity. It is the state of being whole and undivided. Also, it is the condition of being unified and sound in construction.
These three abide: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. “Faith Worketh by Love”. (Galatians 5:6) “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17)
When you’re wholehearted it means that your faith and love are integrated. Success is yours if you position your heart right, being motivated by love first. The whole heart principle starts with love. You will need to have a love for others to have the God kind of faith. The God kind of faith is different, unlike natural faith, God’s faith works by love. In other words, it’s interest is more outside ourselves than self centered. Our faith is given not just for ourselves, but for others. It can’t be to hoard it to yourself, it must be given.
Example: “God so loved the world that he gave…” and in God’s plan, everything was finished from the beginning.
God saw what He created before He created it. Then He spoke it into existence. Then He gave it to Adam and Eve. In the same way, when we are inspired by something creative, we should see it in our mind very clearly. We focus on it without distraction. We accept it as ours and enjoy the truth we know we have. Make it real in your mind and accept it as a gift, giving thanks for it. But be sure what you aspire to is a worthy ideal because it is our gift to give to the world.
Let me explain; by faith, we know the worlds were formed by the Word of God. Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the title deed of things not yet seen. (See Hebrews Chapter 11) We must learn to believe with our whole heart, without wavering and doubting that we will have what we know we have been inspired by God to have, be or achieve. That is our gift to then share with the world.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8)
The power of faith is a universal law, like gravity. The reason I interject the necessity of love first in this teaching is for your own good, and the good of all mankind. A man of great faith in himself without love is no more than a powerful beast prone to great destruction. So, in love you speak what you desire to have and believe you already have it. Thank God every day that you have what you believe. Regardless of visible circumstances, you never give up on that vision and confession. Faith like this is essential. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Because you must believe He exists and He rewards those that seek Him with all their heart. (Hebrews 11:6-8)
You see, when your heart is in that position, not only do you have faith to receive from God but you will also want what He wants too.
Next, you will need to make sure you can let go of any bitterness in your heart. Bitterness is simply resentment turned inward. It can poison the soul and it can stop all blessings that come from God. It will choke the flow of true prosperity. Unforgiveness, resentment and hatred all quench the Spirit of God. Let them go and forgive anyone you have a grudge against. If you do not forgive, neither will God forgive you. (Matthew 6:14-15)
The next thing is to be exceedingly grateful for every blessing you have already, and for the new ones that come every day. Have the attitude of gratitude. Even when things don’t go the way you want, be thankful that you can learn something in the process and know what doesn’t work. Learn to be content with what you have and in the situation that you are in. Not to say that you don’t look for better opportunities, just don’t have a spirit of discontentment. Know that God cares for you and He has your best interests at heart. Look to the future with hope, faith and love.
If you know you have caused offense, go and make it right if possible. If it isn’t possible, ask for forgiveness and pray that the debt can be repaid by God. Make sure your slate is clear and you don’t continue causing more offenses.
From now on keep it clean with everyone, including God Himself.
Only make agreements if you have the will and capacity to fulfill them. That of course requires that you know your capacity. And similarly, only make agreements with those you trust have the will and capacity to fulfill them. It does no good to bargain with someone at extreme disadvantage. If you fail this advice it will only cause harm and heartache for all parties involved.
If you ever deviate from these principles, repent, turn around, quickly get back on track and make sure you are square with everyone. Hopefully you didn’t hurt anyone but yourself. But don’t forget, you can also forgive yourself if God can forgive you. Live, love and forgive. Be true to God’s image created in you.
The Whole Heart principle is about living with faith, love and integrity. No one can be truly prosperous without faith, hope, love and integrity.
Rule #2 – Act and Think With the Whole Mind
What you think matters too. If you are constantly consumed with doubts and fears then that is what you will get. The focus of your fear is faith inverted. It is the belief that what you fear is real and will become manifest.
Do you remember the story of Job in the Bible? He was a good man in the Old Testament that lost all he owned, and he was an extremely wealthy man. But the story reveals something about him that was a problem. It says that the thing he feared most came upon him. “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” (Job 3:25) He couldn’t prevent it by worrying. More likely, he invited it by his own fear.
You must live life without fear. “No Fear” In the whole mind principle, it is essential that you don’t ever dwell on lack, loss or troubles. Bad possibilities should be quickly rejected from your mind. You should picture your mind being protected by an armored helmet. The negative thoughts bounce right off. It is the helmet of salvation. The war of the spirit begins in the mind. (Ephesians 6:17-24)
In some form or another, the scripture says to not fear 365 times.
Concentrate all your energy, attention and resources on inviting positive goals and possibilities that you have clearly pictured in your mind. If anything or anyone causes doubt, confusion or fear, separate yourself from them. If people conflict with your vision, move on, leave them behind if you have to.
Make a conscious effort to discern the difference between good and evil. If you aren’t sure which it is, study the Bible for an answer. That is what God gave it to us for. When you know, without a doubt what the good is, commit to it, even at your own loss. This may seem counterintuitive on the surface, but in the long run you will be vindicated and rewarded.
Never entertain fear as a habit. When you have positioned your heart to be justified before God and man, you have nothing to fear. Stand for the truth and justice we all say we believe in. If God be for us, who can be against us?
But, how can you be justified before God? The only way is to accept the payment He made on your behalf. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) He has provided a substitute for the penalty you owe for all the wrong you have done that you can never repay. He gave His own Son, Jesus Christ as a sacrifice so you will be guiltless before Him. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Ask Him for forgiveness and stop living a life offensive to Him. Then you will have a whole mind, a clear conscience, and live without fear or doubt. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)
Rule #3 – Have a Humble Attitude
“Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not something to be held onto to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:2-8)
It’s easy to be humble when you know you’re made of dirt. We are all made of dirt. While we know we are made of dirt, we also know that we all have a treasure deposited inside each of us. That treasure was put there for the benefit of others. We have all been given different gifts and talents. The world can be blessed by the gifts that we have been given to us to share. Be humble about your successes and achievements, knowing it is God that gives the power to get wealth without adding sorrow. “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22) “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18),
Be sensitive to the quiet gentle voice of the Spirit of God that leads us into all truth. (John 16:13) He never imposes His will, but is always sweet and warm while birthing our souls to new growth and understanding. Submit to the leading of The Holy Spirit that keeps your life in harmony with His divine purpose.
Live in peace with others as much as it depends on you. (Romans 12:18) Undue conflict about trivial matters will sap energy and resources better spent forwarding campaigns that win hearts and minds. Like sister Teresa said, “I won’t attend an anti-war rally, but if you have a peace rally, give me a call.”
You will gain more ground championing a cause you are for than you can by fighting people that you are against. Never engage in frivolous conflict.
Submit yourself to those that have the responsibility over you for your own good. Whether they be fathers, husbands, pastors, elders, bosses or public officials. Humbly submit to those that have been appointed or have earned the place of authority over you in deference to their position. (Hebrews 13:17)
If you have a grievance, then only entreat, plead and petition with all due respect. But never foment an insurrection unless the life of the whole enterprise itself is in jeopardy because of abusive leadership. And only then, if you have a divine directive. In other words, don’t entertain rebellion in your mind.
Rule #4 – Use Sound Words
Say what you mean and mean what you say. People will judge you by the words you speak. If you don’t know what to say about a particular topic, just keep silent. It is better that people wonder if you are ignorant on the subject than opening your mouth and removing all doubt, unless you are asking for understanding.
Be honest and forthright. But always use tact. Season your words with kindness and gentleness as much as you can. (Colossians 4:6)
Always, as often as you can, encourage others to follow these same life success principles.
Warn those that discourage you and others.
Give special attention to those that are most sensitive to your approval and acceptance. They are under your care as you were under someone before too. But only correct those you have a right to correct. And do it in a spirit of gentleness. Correction can always be done without demeaning.
Let your words always be used for purposes of faith, hope, love, peace, joy and truth for those around you. Be a good influence in word and deed. Don’t ever let the language of doubt, fear and despair rule your tongue. Life and death are in the power of your tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) Speak life.
Rule #5 – Give With a Generous Hand
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
Now practice exuberant generosity as much as it depends on you. Live with an open hand and open heart. No one can steal what you are willing to give away. And don’t wait until you become wealthy to be generous. When you share with those in greater need than you, you open the windows of heaven to pour out more than you can contain. All of these principles work by the law of Genesis. That is the law that says whatever kind you plant is the same kind you will grow and reap. And if you sow sparingly, you will also reap sparingly. (2 Corinthians 9:6,7)
Never use or take anything or anyone that you don’t have an explicit right to. That includes never borrowing anything without permission.
When you have work to do, work honestly and energetically at whatever you have the opportunity to do. Use your mind and skills to be as efficient as possible.
Think of innovative ways to improve things. Pattern the success of others that are now excelling at what you believe is your calling.
If you get the chance to intern or be mentored by a master in your calling, take it. Pray for discernment before you study their ways, methods and techniques. Be sure they are truly practicing what they teach.
Never be slack and lackadaisical about the job you have right now, whatever it is. By taking your current situation seriously, you have a better chance to advance. Maybe your advancement won’t be from your superiors here on earth, but from heaven, because God will see your excellence.
And finally, strategically leverage your available assets such as your skills, talents, gifts, resources and connections.
Study how to leverage earning powers. Rather than using your own time and energy to earn, learn to make investments in assets and other people’s efforts that can be grown to create dynamic passive wealth generating machines.
Think also in terms of future growth through investments. Leverage the power of multiplication through generosity. Incentivize the propagation of your vision and ideals by sharing the prosperity of it down through the generations that follow in your enterprise.
But, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36) The most valuable thing to prosper, and should be first, is your soul. “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2) Your mindset and health are therefore essential for an abundant life.
I hope you were inspired and challenged by these 5 Biblical Rules for an Abundant Life.
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