““For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)
We should learn step by step what the Lord God is planned for our lives. First of all we should know how to be content and happy in what we have already in our lives. Then make the best use of what we have than going after something we did not have. Proverbs 4:20-27(NKJV) If you sit and realise and enjoy what you already have, many of your cravings for more goes away. But if you go after fame and achievements, then there is no end to it, it will become an addiction, you never be satisfied.
- Seek God and His righteousness first: Matthew 6:31-34(NKJV)
Do not plan to become rich and famous. This is not God’s way. When you first plan to go after God with all your heart, mind and strength, all these things will be added to you. See the order of plans by God. The Lord Jesus is saying ““Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)
- Give and it will be given to you: Luke 6:38(NKJV)
Lord Jesus is saying these verses for giving generally to others expecting back nothing from them. He says further, “Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.” Luke 6:30, 33 (NKJV) So being generous should be your lifestyle not holding back anything but trusting God, who would give back to you whenever you have a need by someone who listens to His voice.
3. Be merciful to the poor: Matthew 6:1-4(NKJV)
We should show mercy to the poor and should not withhold yourselves from giving them by any cause. Because these are the ones who cannot give back to you and the reward for your kindness will come from God. “Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness. Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But rather give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.” Luke 11:39-41 (NKJV) We should not do charity works for propaganda too. Do good only out of love and compassion for those who are poor.
4. Pay tithe to the church not forgetting justice & love: Luke 11:42(NKJV)
Pay what belongs to God, so the rest of your money becomes holy and a blessing to you. All that you are given is from God only; but He asks to give a tithe to the Church which He loves so that the people who toil for the Kingdom of God be blessed too. We should be a good stewards of God’s money and spend for ourselves too by the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit.
5. Keep the well-being of your body: Romans 14:14-18(NKJV)
Eat with self control. Do some good body exercises. Keep yourselves joyful in the Lord which is your strength. Have good thoughts all the time. Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 (NKJV)To keep God’s peace we should not let our heart be troubled and should not let it be afraid. We have a part to play in keeping our own body and mental health. No one can help you, only you got to do.