I am reminded of this passage from Patriarch and Prophets, “Affliction and adversity may cause sorrow, but it is prosperity that is most dangerous to spiritual life" (PK 59.3).
Our life can be a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows- smooth and rough, but the smooth rides can be more perilous than the rough ones for our spiritual growth- “prosperity that is most dangerous to spiritual life.” PK 59.3. Because it is in prosperous times that we lose our dependence on God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Let us remind ourselves that “it is prosperity that is most dangerous to spiritual life.” PK 59.3. Because when things are going well, it's easy to forget our dependence on God. We might become prideful in our accomplishments, attributing them solely to our own efforts. This, as the Spirit of Prophecy warns, is a danger zone for our spiritual life.
In total dependence on God, there is spiritual strength. Ellen White said, "God can do little for men who lose their sense of dependence upon Him" (PK 58.1).
When we rely solely on ourselves, we limit the incredible things God can do in our lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6 beautifully captures the essence of a life submitted to God. It instructs us to:
- Trust in the Lord: This is the foundation. When we trust God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness in our lives.
- Not lean on our own understanding: We surrender our limited perspective and embrace God's infinite wisdom.
- Submit to Him: This is a daily practice of aligning our wills with God's will.
The Full Cup Overflowing
Think of a cup. When it's empty, it readily accepts any liquid poured into it. But a full cup has no space for more. Similarly, a heart overflowing with pride and self-sufficiency leaves no room for God's grace and direction.
Living the Message
Here's how we can live out this message:
- Practice Gratitude: Thankfulness keeps us grounded and reminds us of God's blessings, even in prosperity.
- Stay Humble: Recognize your limitations and God's constant presence.
- Seek God Daily: Spend time in prayer, reflection, and scripture reading, keeping your heart open to His guidance.
By staying close to God in every season, we ensure that our cup overflows with His love (God’s love not human self-centered love) and that we are always receptive to His will for our lives.
Sulad Jhun Cardeinte writes from the Philippines. His email address is acardeinte@aiias.edu
Follow his FB page: Adventist ToolBoX
To read the previous blog articles, go to SULADS Thailand website and click blog section. Direct link below; https://www.suladsthailand.com/blog-1/
Write a comment
Precilla Rivera Selga (Thursday, 04 April 2024 16:52)
Amen
Mathew Simiyu (Thursday, 04 April 2024 16:54)
Amen, indeed at all times we are to learn to depend and trust in God
Demoge Agorofa (Thursday, 04 April 2024 16:55)
A very inspiring message, thank you so much..God bless.
Nelson Mudenda (Thursday, 04 April 2024 16:58)
I need help
Jenny (Thursday, 04 April 2024)
Thank you for sharing the wonderful love ❤️ of God.
Nola Yano (Thursday, 04 April 2024 17:30)
Very inspiring massage in such time like this....thankyou Very much ....
ZYL (Thursday, 04 April 2024 18:39)
Amen! �
Ephraim Mutsika (Thursday, 04 April 2024 19:40)
Where else can I see these lessons apart from the app
Keith Otieno (Thursday, 04 April 2024 20:23)
I feel so much inspired by the message. For sure failing to depend on God causes heartaches and depression.
Elias Mapendere (Thursday, 04 April 2024 21:03)
Thank you. God bless
Jay c (Thursday, 04 April 2024 21:06)
Amen
Veronica Sade (Thursday, 04 April 2024 22:05)
Amen! Thank you Holy Spirit for this message, just for me. Thank you Loving God for your devine love. This message is much needed reminder. Thank you Jesus���❤
Godwin Nyuwani (Thursday, 04 April 2024 22:07)
It is not the empty cup that we have trouble in carrying; it is the cup full to the brim that must be carefully balanced. Affliction and adversity may cause much inconvenience, and may bring great depression; but it is prosperity that is dangerous to spiritual life. Unless the human subject is in constant submission to the will of God, unless he is sanctified by the truth, and has the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, prosperity will surely arouse the natural inclination to presumption.
Godwin Nyuwani (Thursday, 04 April 2024 22:08)
It is not the empty cup that we have trouble in carrying; it is the cup full to the brim that must be carefully balanced. Affliction and adversity may cause much inconvenience, and may bring great depression; but it is prosperity that is dangerous to spiritual life. Unless the human subject is in constant submission to the will of God, unless he is sanctified by the truth, and has the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, prosperity will surely arouse the natural inclination to presumption. Counsels on Stewardship 148.1
Beene (Thursday, 04 April 2024 22:49)
This is really a wake up call for me.
Nganai stehen (Thursday, 04 April 2024 23:10)
Amen...keep trust only mighty God,who love us..deeply
Amanda (Friday, 05 April 2024 00:11)
Thank you Pastor for this eye opening message. We live and are surrounded by so many worldly things, that it is easy to lose focus. May God gives us strength to stand strong and keep our eyes fixed on Him. Should we be in a position to experience wealth that we use it for His cause, to serve Him and glorify Him and bring people to Him.
Baldwin (Friday, 05 April 2024 00:19)
Thank you for sharing the Powerful Word of God, He is using you Pastor to shed light unto us
Indeed in times of prosperity, when things are going well we tend to lean on our own understanding
Nicholas mwalimu (Friday, 05 April 2024 00:24)
Thanks for reminding me to be humble before God, it's better to have little in this earthly life but have aplenty in heaven when Christ comes. Ame
Eric Nelson (Friday, 05 April 2024 02:04)
Thank you for sharing such powerful and educating massage. May God continue blessing his ministry till the end .
Dadila (Friday, 05 April 2024 02:14)
HANDLE WITH CARE IF YOU NOTICE THAT YOUR CUP IS FULL OF PRIDE...
LET GOD HELP US ALL
Elvis Maroko (Friday, 05 April 2024 02:52)
Powerful
Joel Kamau (Friday, 05 April 2024 03:56)
A good thought of the day on the right timing.
Dale Kuson, Papua New Guinea �� (Friday, 05 April 2024 04:12)
Amen and AMEN �. Profound message of truth indeed. Resetting our compass � to set and lock � on Jesus our Lord and Saviour.
Shabbat Shalom �.
Reselita Hombre (Friday, 05 April 2024 05:58)
Thank you brother and sisters in Christ..it is a wondefull message to everyone of us.
Santa Lotara (Friday, 05 April 2024 12:55)
Nice message, and please keep praying for me so God can intervene in what am going through. God bless you all.