Proper alignment with God’s will is critical. Not only does improper alignment throw you and your plans out of whack, but it also affects others who depend on you. As we go deeper into the productivity and alignment series, we must look at what both are.
Productivity and alignment keep us in step with the things of God and lead to a joyful existence regardless of what season we’re in. Often we think we’re aligned on the right track because we are prospering in that area financially.
FINANCIAL PROSPERITY
Financial success can often be a reward for our obedience. Nevertheless, we see many passages in the Bible that teach about the rich and the wealthy and how they are far from knowing God. Our hope is in God and not in chasing the riches of this world. 1 Timothy 6:17 NIV, Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
God provides us with enjoyment and everything we need.
Here’s a list of scriptures to reference regarding how God views the rich from ReformedWiki.com
INSTEP WITH GOD
Because you’re not prospering based on the world’s definition, it does not mean you’re not in proper alignment. People point out a lack of financial wealth or low results as incompetence. Because they see things carnally, they question your direction and see you as a failure.
Soulful, don’t view your life through the culture’s view, but through a Biblical lens.
If you care about the things of Jesus, our Lord—you’re not a failure—far from it!
You already have victory in Christ through His finished work on Calvary and the eternal future He has planned.
It’s always okay to notice inefficiencies and pivot your positioning by growing in wisdom to find proper alignment. The process of change and transformation can be uncomfortable and takes time.
WHAT IS ALIGNMENT
Oxford provides a few definitions:
Alignment (1) arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions. (2) the route or course of a road or railroad. (3) a position of agreement or alliance.
Words that stand out to me are arrangement, straight, correct, appropriate, route, course, position, agreement, and alliance. I recommend you look up each of these words to further your understanding.
Proper alignment according to God’s will is required; to know His will, we must know what His Word says.
STAY IN YOUR LANE
Last week, I published—Stay in Your Lane to encourage you to continue moving in the direction God has for you. If you’re unsure of that area of focus, I pray that the Holy Spirit provides you with more clarity through this series.
As you’re operating in obedience in the current season, you’ll continue to need support and reinforcement to finish well.
Our adversary, the devil, loves nothing more than to see a Saint who lacks direction. If you’re wandering around lost, you’re an easy target for attack.
Therefore, productivity, discipline, perseverance, and proper alignment are critical.
When you know your identity in Christ and where you’re going, you won’t take any and everything that comes your way. You’ll stay in your lane with proper alignment to God’s will as He instructs.
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SCRIPTURES ON ALIGNMENT
The scriptures provided are but a small percentage of the wealth of Bible verses that teach obedience, the will of God, working hard, and discipline. But let’s look at these:
Living Words
Psalm 12:6 ESV, The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
Without Him, We Have Nothing
Psalm 16:2, 7-8,11 NIV I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Outside of our relationship with God we have nothing good. He counsels, instructs, orders our steps, and fills us with joy.
Our Steps are Strengthened
Psalm 17:5 NIV, My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.
Proverbs 20:24 NIV A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?
Proverbs 21:2 NIV A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
OBEDIENCE
Alignment is obedience to God by submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The scriptures I referenced speak about how perfect God’s laws are. He leads, directs, and instructs us and how success and blessing are a part of heeding His precepts.
Don’t fret due to someone else’s success in a particular area. Whether someone purchased a house or luxury vehicle, moved out of state, or took international trips—don’t let where they are distract you from the steps God is ordering in your life.
We see the success of other people’s businesses, careers, and ministries and attempt to copy their formulas. No matter how often you try to duplicate the success strategies of someone else, it will never work out the same way because your experiences are different.
Separate yourself from copycatting others in your area of influence, and abide by God’s principles and leadership. I’m not saying to stand on your uniqueness with conceit but understand that your sanctification walk is not identical to others.
If what others are doing sparks your interest, take it to the Lord and ask Him if He is leading you to pursue a specific career, strategy, or goal.
You’re Possibly Not in Alignment if:
- You started a Bible study ministry, but your spiritual gift isn’t teaching. Students don’t grasp the methods of instruction and are left confused after every class.
- The trade you’re in does not fit how God designed you. You believe in hard work but are not good at the job. The exchange has nothing to do with your life’s mission and robs you of intimate time with God and family and impacting others.
- You married someone the Lord didn’t greenlight. Now you plead with God to bless what He didn’t put together.
- Instead of waiting another year to invest in the new house, vehicle, education, business, or equipment—you moved ahead of God, and now you’re in a load of financial trouble.
- You started a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel because it looks easy, and now you regret it. If God doesn’t call you to these media formats, you’ll keep swimming against the ocean’s waves.
Disclaimer: Please don’t misunderstand or panic. You could very well be on the right path but have veered off slightly, or God is testing you in a particular area. If you think you veered off, talk to God about it—He’s the only one who can straighten out a crooked alignment.
Depression and goals
You can easily fall into depression when you feel like things always work against you. You may have heard God give you the proper instructions, and you followed them out of obedience.
I’ve been down this road as I know God led me to start my art business at Cure for Bare Walls, Inc. However, I’d experience extremely successful periods and then crickets.
The instability of that business went on for years. When I worked to reenter the workforce, I was constantly rejected and had difficulty getting back into sales and account management for years.
Eventually, I realized God’s hand blocked success and growth.
I know because I see the plans that followed.
Explaining my testing in the art business is an entire book on its own.
Those eight years were the most challenging years I endured to date.
I went through depression, but God changed me by refining me with His Word. He used something I desired to bring me to holiness and humility.
To God, my creating art was never about the business succeeding (which I wanted). It was about me succeeding in Him and overcoming depression, pride, dependency on the wrong things, and patience.
Sanctify is to set something apart as holy for His use.
His Word is Delightful
Psalm 19:7-8 NIV The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Alignment Grants the Hearts Desire
Psalm 21:2 NIV You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Psalm 37:3-6 NIV Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
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Overcomer
No matter what season you find yourself in—do your work!
What I mean is to keep moving and get in alignment.
You’re an overcomer, and no matter how hard it appears, keep walking by faith. When you have a relationship with Christ, you’re never alone. There are many brothers and sisters in Christ you’ll meet along the path that our Lord will use to help you to get to your destination.
The hardships you’re facing now, God will use them to minister to others in the future.
After Elijah successfully defeated Baal’s false prophets, Ahab told his wife, Jezebel. She then wanted to kill Elijah. When the prophet Elijah got word, he wanted to die because he felt unworthy to fulfill his assignment.
1 Kings 19:3-4 NIV Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
The Angel of the Lord came to Elijah to strengthen, encourage, and feed him. The Lord sent him back on the same path from which He came with new instructions. Our Lord already won, but you’ll lose if your alignment isn’t in His teachings. The Holy Spirit within can override depression.
CONCLUSION
Alignment is about applying God’s Word to our lives through obedience. The Living Word protects and instructs us by keeping us close to God. The right path can often be lonely for some seasons, but you’ll need to draw your strength to endure from the Lord. Fight through depression and feeling down about where you are. Encourage yourself in the Lord and take things day by day.
Soul Actions
Define alignment and all the other words used to describe it.
Stay in your lane and focus on the assignment God called you to.
Meditate on the goodness of God and the scriptures referenced from Psalms and Proverbs.
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