Proper alignment with Godβs 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 theΒ productivity and alignmentΒ 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 weβre in. Often we think weβre 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.Β 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.
Hereβs a list of scriptures to reference regarding how God views the rich fromΒ ReformedWiki.com
INSTEP WITH GOD
Because youβre not prospering based on the worldβs definition, it does not mean youβre 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, donβt view your life through the cultureβs view, but through a Biblical lens.
If you care about the things of Jesus, our Lordβyouβre not a failureβfar from it!
You already have victory in Christ through His finished work on Calvary and the eternal future He has planned.
Itβs 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:
AlignmentΒ (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,Β straight,Β correct, appropriate, route, course, position,Β agreement, and alliance. I recommend you look up each of these words to further your understanding.
Proper alignment according to Godβs will is required; to know His will, we must know what His Word says.
STAY IN YOUR LANE
Last week, I publishedβStay in Your LaneΒ to encourage you to continue moving in the direction God has for you. If youβre unsure of that area of focus, I pray that the Holy Spirit provides you with more clarity through this series.
As youβre operating in obedience in the current season, youβll 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 youβre wandering around lost, youβre an easy target for attack.
Therefore, productivity, discipline, perseverance, and proper alignment are critical.
When you know your identity in Christ and where youβre going, you wonβt take any and everything that comes your way. Youβll stay in your lane with proper alignment to Godβs 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 letβs 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, βYou are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.β 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 personβs 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.
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 heartβs 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.
ALIGNMENT GRANTS THE HEARTS DESIRE
Psalm 21:2 NIVΒ You have granted him his heartβs desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Psalm 37:3-6 NIVΒ Trust in theΒ LordΒ and do good; dwell in the landΒ and enjoy safe pasture.Β 4Β Take delightΒ in theΒ Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.Β 5Β Commit your way to theΒ Lord; trust in Him and he will do this:Β 6Β He will make your righteous rewardΒ shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
OBEDIENCE
Alignment is obedience to God by submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The scriptures I referenced speak about how perfect Godβs laws are. He leads, directs, and instructs us and how success and blessing are a part of heeding His precepts.
Donβt fret due to someone elseβs success in a particular area. Whether someone purchased a house or luxury vehicle, moved out of state, or took international tripsβdonβt let where they are distract you from the steps God is ordering in your life.
We see the success of other peopleβs 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 Godβs principles and leadership. Iβm 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.
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