Live Long and Prosper

This past Friday actor Leonard Nimoy passed away at the age of 83. Leonard was best known for playing the original Mr. Spock in the “Star Trek” media franchise. One of Spock’s famous catchphrases was “live long and prosper.” That and the Vulcan salute pictured here originated from an Orthodox Jewish synagogue Leonard attended while growing up in Boston.

God wants man to have long prosperous lives. Psalm 91:16 says, “With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” Unfortunately that’s not a reality for everyone. Some people die young due to accidents, disease, or were murdered. A few individuals choose to take their own lives without fulfilling their divine purpose.

Likewise not everyone on earth experiences prosperity. It amazes me how some religious folk criticize sermons on the topic when Scripture is full of promises of abundant life. I’d rather hear a “prosperity gospel” than a poverty gospel. People who think Jesus was poor must remember He had a treasurer. Why hire someone to carry a money bag if there is little or no money to carry?

On the other hand, God doesn’t want man going the other extreme and become covetous. This past Wednesday as I was leaving McDonald’s, I stopped to minister to a young woman who wore a sweatshirt that read “In God We Trust - Greed.” I pointed out to her it’s not wrong to have money as long as money doesn’t have us. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Do you want to live long and prosper now and for eternity? Start by giving your life to Jesus Christ if you haven’t already done so. Then pray and ask what His plan and purpose for you is. You’ll be amazed at what He can do for you and through you if you’re willing and obedient. In Christ, you can boldly go where no man has gone before.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

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