Prosperity Principles: All the Time

No one doubts the principle of gravity. If you step off the curb, you know you will be pulled down, not up. Even if you have the rare opportunity of being in a spaceship with zero gravity, it is understood that, even though you don't feel the pull of gravity is still at work. The planets circumnavigate the sun in particular ways due to gravity. The spaceship itself is in a particular orbit due to gravity. The principle of gravity does not disappear. And so it is with prosperity principles. Our experience of prosperity may shift, but prosperity principles are still at work.

During challenging economic times, we read that unemployment is on the rise, the Dow Jones is dropping, there is a glut of inventory in our stores and the value of homes are decreasing. Everyone seems to be effected in some way by the times we live in. The question arises, "Do prosperity principles really work? Now? In an economy like this?" The answer is a resounding "yes." A better question is "What are prosperity principles?" and "How do I apply them?" Rather than tossing them aside, those who dig more deeply into an understanding of prosperity principles are the ones who will fare the best. Practicing prosperity principles means less wringing of hands and more peace of mind. Prosperity principles enhance our ability to think clearly and to notice the doors to abundance when they open. They provide an awareness that anyone, and that means you, can walk through those doors. During the Great Depression more millionaires were made than any time prior.

Sunday we begin a series called "Secrets of a Go-Giver." For many it seems counter intuitive to give when we may be concerned about having enough. Most of us know the term "Go-Getter" and applaud the person who is a 'real "Go-Getter.'" If you think about it, being a "Go-Getter" implies lack. The drive we see in a real "Go-Getter" comes from the desire to "get" - before someone else does. This, of course, demonstrates the belief that there is not enough for everyone. In a closed system, lack appears to be true. As soon as we open that system up, more becomes available. We can treat the new system like a bigger version of the old one and once again engage "Go-Getter" behavior, believing there is not enough for everyone. Or we can embrace the idea of abundance and realize there are always bigger systems available to us. When we have "eyes to see them," they will appear. In fact, life is more fun and can actually become easier when we participate in these bigger systems. Collaboration with others becomes a way of life. Giving to others in the areas they find passion and welcoming the gifts we receive in the areas we have passion brings great joy. There is a law of circulation - of both giving and receiving. When we consistently practice both giving and receiving, we open the flow of abundance in our lives. One of the fundamental practices for a prosperous life is giving.

We laugh at the person who might say to a fire, "Give me more heat, then I will bring another log." Yet, we catch ourselves doing the same thing. How often do we expect the other person to apologize first, then we will forgive? We want our boss to give us a raise, then we will work harder. We want to have more money, then we will give. It's likely that we are not shocked by any of these statements, for this is the way of the world. If we truly want to experience the abundance God has for us, these ideas and beliefs will trip us up. Mark Victor Hansen, an internationally known motivational speaker, reminds us, "Your raise will show up when you do."

We are to practice being a "Go-Giver." Many times people have come to me believing they do not have enough: whether its time, opportunity, education, money, love or whatever. And I counsel them to look for what they do have and give some of it away. Sometimes it's necessary to look deep, because the belief that there's not enough is so strong. Giving something away affirms that you have some. Keep giving and those doors open.

Prosperity principles work ALL of the time. They don't stop during economic down turns. Don't take my word for it. Ponder these things and put them into action. Share your success and share your thoughts.

At Unity Church of Raleigh, "the Gathering Place for spiritually motivated people in an awakening world," we are about to embark upon an amazing Sunday series. "Secrets of a Go-Giver" begins February 1st. For more on this community where spiritual principles come to life in practical ways, visit us at http://www.unitychurchofraleigh.org/.