The Key To A Long And Prosperous Life

Being the first of the year, I have tried to gear each devotion toward making changes for the new year. Many of us use January to ponder our past mistakes and vow to be different this next year. There is nothing wrong in that. God wants us to continually and consistently change to His likeness.

One of the most spoken resolutions is that of eating healthier. There is so much information out there about "super-foods" or "miracle foods" that it can get overwhelming. The point is that companies want to provide an ample amount of avenues to entice people to begin taking care of their bodies, as we should.

As I was sifting through the book of Proverbs recently I came upon a passage that, like many companies, stated the key to a long and prosperous life. Unlike those other companies, God isn't in it for the money and He doesn't make false claims. His Word is backed by truth and years of proven effectiveness.

Are you ready for the "key to a long and prosperous life?" It is not difficult to live by and does not monetarily cost. Although at times you may be ridiculed for your actions.

PROVERBS 3:1-2

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,

for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.


Living under God's blessings requires us to live under the obedience of God's Word. If we step out from under that covering by living according to our fleshly desires we are no longer under God's protection. That gives Satan free reign to do with us as he pleases.

We can devour all the "super-foods" we want, take vitamins and exercise and still be a health risk. Yes, we need to take care of our physical bodies. I believe many illnesses can be avoided if we would choose our foods wisely. Unfortunately, a healthy physical body will not lead us into heaven. It will not protect us from Satan's snares here on earth.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

"Living sacrifices!" Living! Living God's Word is worship to our Heavenly Father. God's Word should not lie dormant in our hearts and minds after reading it. We must allow it to come alive inside us. It is health to our souls and a witness to those who see us live it out.

In a physical diet we must make some sacrifices in order to lose weight or maintain a healthy body. We can't expect to eat a box of donuts and it not affect our body negatively. Therefore, choosing healthy food over junk is the sacrifice we must make to be healthy.

So it is in our spiritual bodies. There are sacrifices to be made. The weight we should focus on losing are the chains that have us bound to the enemy; chains of unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, hatred, sin, etc. As we live outside God's Word the chains will continue to pile on. As these chains pile on they begin to weigh us down to the point that we are no longer standing. What position are we in then? Bowed down in a fetal position before the King of Chains, Satan; right where he wants us.

The sacrifices we make to maintain a healthy spiritual life are worth the sacrifice. Choosing God's Word (healthy food) over sin (junk food) brings health to our spirit-man. A healthy spirit-man brings long life and prosperity.

I urge you to make a deep spiritual resolution this year. Resolve to build up your spirit-man. Feed on God's Word, which is your healthy food. Make healthy sacrifices. Allow God to take the chains of sin off you and replace them with His blessings. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Allow Him to replace those chains with His yoke.

I pray many blessings upon you this year. And for you Star Trek fans I say, "Live long and prosper!"(Spock) God Bless~