But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
Yesterday we began a series on God’s thoughts about prosperity. Often, we hear that God opposes prosperity because wealth can derail us from serving Him. The truth is, we have Holy Spirit within us to help us stay on track!
Sometimes we think Holy Spirit’s power works in our lives just to help us teach or preach, or lay hands on the sick for healing. While it’s true that His power works through us in these ways, there’s so much more!
The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon gives us a multi-layered definition of what this power includes. The first two points are common in our understanding. The first is “inherent power,” referring to the fact that when we give our lives to Christ, we instantly are filled with Holy Spirit who resides on the inside of us. The second point is “power for performing miracles,” which refers to Holy Spirit’s power in us that we can release for health and protection.
What we often forget is the third point: “moral power and excellence of soul.” Holy Spirit’s power within us helps us live with moral excellence, meaning He empowers us with the ability to stand strong against the temptation to use wealth selfishly. Empowered by Holy Spirit, we can rise up in prosperity, position and influence, and represent Christ effectively in the areas to which we’re called.
Holy Spirit helps and guides us so that our prosperity becomes a tool useable by God to make a difference in this world now and for generations to come!