This article was written by Rev Judith Elia and published in the March 2009 edition of the NAJAX publication, Natural Awakenings. I think the message is extremely relevant to all people everywhere…
One of my favourite ministers is the late, great Eric Butterworth who held his Services in Lincoln Centre in NYC. He taught that, “Prosperity is a way of living and thinking, and not just money or things. Poverty is a way of living and thinking, and not just lack of money and things.” The word prosperity comes from the Latin root word which literally translates: ”According to hope” or “to go forth hopefully”. The truly prosperous never tie their well-being to anything that can be taken from them. Their prosperity comes from the way they think and live and act and serve and not in the appearances of the world. Like the title of our new President’s book, they have the audacity to HOPE.
Caring for money and using it wisely is an act of respect. It requires discrimination, contemplation, and the ability to honestly discern the difference between what you need and what you desire. Respect for money consists of paying our bills on time, thanking God for the ability to do so, and thanking our creditors or business associates for the services they have kindly given us. It is a blessing to offer someone a good wage in respect of their skills. Repect for money might also include asking: will a certain purchase improve my life in some way or am I deceiving myself?
Money is a gift from God but it does not fall from the sky. As spiritually aware human beings we spend it carefully and make sure we put it to good use. It is the energy of God so we must keep the atmosphere surrounding it very pure. All of our financial dealings must be clean and honest. The idea of putting something over on someone, getting away with something, not quite telling the truth, taking advantage of or manipulating others – not to mention out and and out thievery – all make for paying your dues in the garden of plenty. You will eventually reap what you sow. Do not expect to be prosperous and cheat on your taxes. Do not rack up credit card debt, declare bankruptcy to get out of it and expect to feel good about yourself. Be the action you want to see in the world. Do your best every day in every way ad Life will return the favour.
I have decided that every time I hear that we are doomed because of our national financial crisis I will replace those thoughts with: ”These are Prosperity Times!” We have fears and we are being given the opportunity to overcome them and examine them. Some millionaires are tightwads, some otherwise generous people get angry over trivial losses or expenditure and these emotions must be faced. It is all just ego-driven behaviour. Respect, purity, and gratitude: three will honour and build wealth in our lives, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and materially.
Join me in making a commitment to stay focussed on the things that will last like love, the wisdom and beauty of nature, and serve to others. Refuse to be discouraged. Go forth hopefully and you will live in Prosperity Times.
Rev Judith Elia is minister at Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Road, Julington Creek.
