Certain words just sound positive and uplifting. A good example is __*prosperity.*__

__Prosperity sounds good because just about everyone wants to be prosperous, or thriving financially. There’s nothing wrong with that, to a point.__

For many years, financial teacher and author Ron Blue has talked about something he calls the Paradox of Prosperity. Ron says that when he and his wife Judy were newlyweds, they lived in a 225 square foot trailer on campus at Indiana University.

He jokes that you could cook dinner and do the ironing without moving. They didn’t have much, but life was simple. As the years went on, they had five children, 13 grandchildren, cars, college funds and retirement plans.

Life became a lot more complicated as they acquired more and discovered the Paradox of Prosperity. Ron says he found out that “more” equals more choices, which equals more confusion. When he and Judy lived in the trailer, they didn’t have to make a lot of decisions.

__Today he warns folks not to fall into the trap that “more” will provide peace of heart and mind. It provides more choices, but also more confusion. He says peace of mind comes from a spiritual perspective, not a financial one.__

“Contentment, above any other trait, should be the hallmark of a mature believer's financial life. Hehrews 13:5 says, *‘Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.'"*

Ron says the starting point for having "enough" is defined in that verse— it’s what you *already* have. For years he taught and wrote about the importance of answering the question, How much is enough? Then one day he realized that God had already quantified "enough" in Hebrews 13:5.

“Enough is what you have. You can be content with that because contentment is a choice, a decision. It can be learned by becoming more rooted in the reality of God's nearness and provision and by living in the spiritual reality of His promise that *‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.’*

“Even the apostle Paul learned contentment along the way, and he shares his insight in Philippians 4: *‘I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. I have learned the secret of being content whether well fed or hungry. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.’”*

__Ron isn’t saying that prosperity itself is bad. In fact it’s necessary for individuals and economies to thrive and grow, but there’s a point where it becomes less positive.__

“I think it becomes a problem when you pursue prosperity for its own sake, in the mistaken belief that more is always better, that more will make you happier, that more will solve all of your problems. It becomes a problem when we look to our bank accounts and not to God as our Provider.”

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=The%20Paradox%20of%20Prosperity&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

FaithFi

Articles

The idea of prosperity can provide more choices, but it also causes more confusion, too. What should you know?

EARNING | Aug 3, 2023

The Paradox of Prosperity

By: Jim Henry

Where Faith Meets Finance

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