Signs of Spiritual Prosperity

Spiritual prosperity is an important concept for Evangelical and Charismatic Christians. It refers to spiritual growth, closeness with God, and living according to His will. While material wealth is temporary, spiritual prosperity has eternal value. There are many signs that can indicate whether a believer is spiritually prosperous or not. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the biblical basis for spiritual prosperity and list out clear signs that you can use to evaluate your spiritual life.

Introduction

The Bible makes it clear that following Jesus Christ should lead to abundant life. In John 10:10, Jesus said: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This abundant life is not necessarily material wealth, but rather spiritual prosperity and intimacy with God.

So how can you evaluate your spiritual prosperity? Here are 12 clear signs from the Bible that can serve as a benchmark:

Key Takeaways:

• Spiritual prosperity is not the same as material wealth. It refers to spiritual growth, closeness with God, and living according to His will.
• There are many clear signs in the Bible that can indicate whether a believer is spiritually prosperous or not.
• Evaluating these signs can help Christians understand their current spiritual state and areas for improvement.
• The 12 signs of spiritual prosperity covered in this article include:

1. You Have a Heart for God

The most fundamental sign of spiritual prosperity is having a heart for God. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). If God is first place in your affections, you are on the right track.

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Some indicators that your heart is turned toward God include:

• You cherish time spent reading the Bible and praying.
• Worship and fellowship with other believers is a highlight of your week.
• Obeying and pleasing God is more important than personal comfort or worldly success.
• You love talking about God and spiritual things with others.

The apostle John wrote: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” (1 John 2:15). Ask yourself: is your heart turned toward heaven or the things of this earth?

2. You Are Bearing Spiritual Fruit

Another sign of spiritual prosperity is bearing spiritual fruit. When you are walking closely with God, the Holy Spirit will produce good fruit in your life. As Galatians 5:22-23 states: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

This fruit includes Christlike character traits that should be increasing in your life. Are you growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and other fruit? The more you mature spiritually, the more evidence there will be of “the fruit of the Spirit” manifested in how you live and relate to others.

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Jesus said “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). If your spiritual life is prospering, it will be evident by spiritual fruit that remains.

3. You Have a Burden for the Lost

One sure sign of a spiritually vibrant Christian is having a burden for unbelievers. When your own relationship with Christ is strong, you will naturally want others to know Him too.

The Bible says God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Ask yourself: Do I urgently care about the salvation of others? Do I feel compassion for lost souls who don’t know Christ? Do I make any effort to share the gospel message?

As believers, we are called to reach the world around us with the good news of salvation. If you have no concern for the spiritual destiny of others, your own spiritual life may need revival. But if you find yourself burdened for souls, it is a good indicator you are walking closely with the Lord.

4. You are Growing in Godly Wisdom

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Wisdom is a cardinal virtue emphasized throughout the book of Proverbs. As believers grow and mature spiritually, they gain discernment to know the difference between right and wrong. There is an increase in spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Signs of this growth include:

• You are able to separate truth from error and resist false teachings.
• You have discernment to detect “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and false prophets.
• You can navigate difficult moral and ethical dilemmas with wisdom.
• Your judgments are based on scriptural principles rather than worldly values.

The book of James says: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17). If you see these traits becoming evident, it shows maturing spiritual wisdom.

5. You are Passionate for Righteousness and Justice

Mature believers develop a holy passion for righteousness, morality and justice. Rather than being lukewarm and complacent, spiritual prosperity leads to zeal for the things of God.

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Signs of this passion for righteousness include:

• You hate sin and grieve over moral decline in society.
• Injustice, corruption, greed and exploitation make you feel righteous anger.
• You long to see people’s lives transformed by the power of the gospel.
• You have strong convictions to see righteousness exalted in the world.

The more your mind aligns with God’s standards, the more you will “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). This intense desire for morality, justice and truth in the world reflects a high level of spiritual maturity.

6. You Have Victory Over Sinful Habits

One clear indicator of spiritual vitality is gaining victory over sinful habits and addictions. A prosperous soul is set free from bondage to sin.

Signs of this breakthrough include:

• Bad habits, pride and unrighteous thoughts are subsiding rather than dominating.
• You have victory over addictions like drugs, alcohol, pornography and others.
• Your mind and conscience is sensitive to conviction from the Holy Spirit.
• You have an attitude of repentance when you do sin or make mistakes.

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In contrast, when believers are struggling spiritually, sinful behaviors tend to increase. Take inventory of your life. If sinful habits are diminishing through the power of the Holy Spirit, it’s a sure sign spiritual prosperity is increasing.

7. You are Quick to Forgive Others

While even mature believers still have work to do, spiritual prosperity leads to greater forgiveness of others. You recognize Jesus forgave you an enormous debt, so you must extend grace to others as well.

Signs of a forgiving spirit include:

• You are quick to forgive those who hurt or offend you. Grudges and bitterness have no grip on your life.
• You have compassion and mercy toward those engaged in sin rather than judgment and scorn.
• You are gracious and kind even when people don’t deserve it.
• Extending forgiveness comes natural to you because you remember Christ’s mercy towards you.

Jesus said “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7). If you have a growing tendency to forgive others, it indicates your spiritual condition is healthy and whole.

8. You are Selfless Rather than Self-Centered

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Spiritual maturity develops as believers turn from self-centeredness to becoming selfless for the glory of God. Less of “me” and more of Him.

Signs of an others-focused attitude include:

• You are willing to sacrifice personal comforts and ambitions for the kingdom of God.
• Seeing others blessed and lifted up gives you joy.
• You use your time and resources to serve others with compassion.
• Humility, generosity and self-denial comes easier as you mature spiritually.

Paul wrote: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4). If you see this selflessness growing, it’s a sign of spiritual prosperity.

9. You are Prayerful and Thankful

Two sure signs of a spiritually healthy Christian are having a vibrant prayer life and attitude of thankfulness. Believers who are prospering spiritually will devote themselves to prayer while overflowing with thanksgiving.

Indicators you are thriving in these areas include:

• You consistently pray throughout your day – morning, afternoon and evening.
• Your prayer life includes praising God, confessing sins, interceding for others and aligning your heart with His will.
• You avoid rushing through prayers or treating it as a religious ritual.
• You have a heart of gratitude, thanking God for all His blessings both big and small.
• You are quick to thank others when they do something kind for you.

In everything, Paul urges believers to “continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2). A strong prayer life and thankful heart reflect a soul prospering in the Lord.

10. You are Humble Rather than Prideful

While we all struggle with pride at times, spiritual prosperity leads to genuine humility. You recognize any good in your life is by God’s grace rather than your own effort.

Signs of a spirit of humility include:

• You are quick to give credit to God rather than take it for yourself.
• You don’t think of yourself as better than others but esteem them higher.
• You are willing to serve in menial or lowly tasks that need to be done.
• You openly admit when you are wrong and apologize.

The Bible says “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5). If you see increasing humility in yourself, it indicates your soul is prospering in God’s grace.

11. You Have Holy Ambitions and Passions

Spiritual prosperity gives rise to holy ambitions and kingdom-centered passions. Your deepest desires will be for the things of God rather than only natural pursuits.

Signs of holy passions include:

• You are consumed with the glory of God and advance of His Kingdom.
• Your life goals revolve around heavenly treasures rather than only earthly pursuits.
• You have undimmed zeal for serving Christ, spreading the gospel and building up believers.
• Your aspirations are guided by seeking first the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33).

The psalmist said his “heart and flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2). If you have this burning longing for the things of God, it means your spirit is prospering.

12. You Enjoy Abiding Fellowship with God

Finally, one of the greatest indicators of a spiritually prosperous soul is when you have sweet, abiding fellowship with God on a regular basis. Times of intimate worship, prayer and Bible reading take on new joy, power and depth.

Signs of this include:

• Your quiet times in God’s presence are rich, meaningful and filled with holy awe.
• You have an ongoing awareness of God’s presence with you throughout the day.
• The Word of God jumps off the page with fresh revelation tailored just for you.
• You discern God’s voice impressing things upon your heart.
• Your soul finds deep rest, comfort and belonging in your loving heavenly Father.

King David called this “the secret of the Lord” – intimate friendship with God Himself (Psalm 25:14). If you are experiencing this, rejoice that your spirit is indeed prospering!

Conclusion

Evaluating your spiritual prosperity is an important exercise for every believer. While we can always grow, we hope these 12 signs from the Bible provide a benchmark to measure your current spiritual state.

The key is to not become prideful if you are strong in certain areas, but rather use this as a map for continued spiritual growth and maturity. Our loving Father desires each of us to flourish and thrive in relationship with Him.

As you make cultivating your spiritual life a priority, you will find your soul prospering more and more. The abundant life Christ promised is not material wealth but deep intimacy with God Himself. May He bless you richly as you seek spiritual prosperity.