Embracing Holistic Prosperity: A Spiritual Journey
Devotional
Day 1: Prosperity as a Holistic State
Prosperity in Unity is not confined to financial wealth but is a holistic state encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial well-being. It involves recognizing our alignment with an abundant universe and the divine laws that support us. This perspective encourages individuals to see prosperity as a natural state of being, where abundance flows freely when we align ourselves with spiritual principles. By understanding prosperity in this way, we open ourselves to a more fulfilling and balanced life, where every aspect of our being is nurtured and supported. [14:51]
"For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing out in the valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey." (Deuteronomy 8:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel out of alignment with the concept of holistic prosperity? How can you invite divine support into these areas today?
Day 2: The Law of Giving and Receiving
Charles Fillmore taught that giving is essential to receiving, a spiritual law that unlocks divine abundance. This principle encourages us to participate in the cycle of giving and receiving, keeping the flow of prosperity vibrant in our lives. By embracing this law, we acknowledge that prosperity is not a static state but a dynamic process that requires active participation. When we give freely and joyfully, we create space for more abundance to enter our lives, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all things. [16:05]
"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38, ESV)
Reflection: Consider one way you can give to others today, whether through time, resources, or kindness. How might this act of giving open you to receive more in your own life?
Day 3: Gratitude as a Magnet for Abundance
Practicing gratitude expands our awareness of the good in our lives and attracts more abundance. By focusing on what we have and expressing appreciation, we invite more blessings into our experience. Gratitude shifts our mindset from lack to abundance, allowing us to see the richness of life that already surrounds us. This practice not only enhances our sense of well-being but also aligns us with the flow of divine abundance, making us more receptive to the blessings that are constantly available to us. [21:23]
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
Reflection: What are three things you are grateful for today? How can you express this gratitude in a way that deepens your awareness of abundance?
Day 4: Tithing as an Opportunity
In Unity, tithing is seen as an opportunity to align with the universal principle of giving and receiving. It is a joyful act that reflects our trust in the divine flow and our willingness to participate in the cycle of abundance. Tithing is not about obligation but about embracing the opportunity to contribute to the greater good, knowing that our contributions will return to us in manifold ways. This practice reinforces our connection to the divine and strengthens our faith in the abundance that is always available to us. [22:49]
"Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you approach tithing or giving with a sense of joy and trust today? What might change in your life if you viewed it as an opportunity rather than an obligation?
Day 5: Prosperity as a Journey
Prosperity is a continuous journey that requires ongoing practice and alignment with divine principles. By embracing this journey, we open ourselves to infinite possibilities of abundance and fulfillment in all areas of our lives. This perspective encourages us to see prosperity not as a destination but as a path that we walk daily, guided by spiritual truths and principles. As we commit to this journey, we cultivate a deeper understanding of abundance and learn to navigate life's challenges with grace and confidence. [37:34]
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to align more closely with the journey of prosperity? How can you remain open to the infinite possibilities that this journey offers?
Sermon Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of prosperity from a spiritual perspective, drawing insights from Unity teachings and influential figures like Charles Fillmore, Eric Butterworth, and Katherine Ponder. Prosperity, as understood in Unity, transcends mere financial wealth and encompasses a holistic sense of well-being, including physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial health. It is about recognizing that we are always supported by an abundant universe and aligning ourselves with divine laws that facilitate the flow of abundance into our lives.
Charles Fillmore emphasized that prosperity is a natural state of being, governed by the spiritual law that we must give in order to receive. This principle is not a burdensome rule but a key to unlocking divine abundance. Eric Butterworth further affirmed that prosperity is not something to be acquired but something we already possess, urging us to tune into this inherent abundance. Katherine Ponder's teachings on the law of circulation highlight the cyclical nature of giving and receiving, encouraging us to participate in this flow to keep our lives vibrant and prosperous.
We also delved into the importance of gratitude and faith in opening the channels of prosperity. Gratitude acts as a magnet, attracting more good into our lives by expanding our awareness of the blessings we already have. By focusing on what we have and expressing appreciation, we invite more abundance into our experience. This practice of gratitude, coupled with a mindset shift from lack to abundance, empowers us to create the reality we desire.
In Unity, tithing is viewed not as an obligation but as an opportunity to align with the universal principle of giving and receiving. It is a joyful act that reflects our trust in the divine flow and our willingness to participate in the cycle of abundance. By living in divine order and using affirmative prayer and visualization, we can further align ourselves with the spiritual laws that govern prosperity, allowing it to flow naturally through us.
Ultimately, prosperity is a journey, not a destination. It requires ongoing practice and a commitment to living in alignment with divine principles. As we embrace this journey, we open ourselves to the infinite possibilities of abundance and fulfillment in all areas of our lives.
Key Takeaways
1. Prosperity as a Holistic State: Prosperity in Unity is not limited to financial wealth but includes physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial well-being. It is about recognizing our alignment with an abundant universe and the divine laws that support us. [14:51]
2. The Law of Giving and Receiving: Charles Fillmore taught that giving is essential to receiving, a spiritual law that unlocks divine abundance. This principle encourages us to participate in the cycle of giving and receiving, keeping the flow of prosperity vibrant in our lives. [16:05]
3. Gratitude as a Magnet for Abundance: Practicing gratitude expands our awareness of the good in our lives and attracts more abundance. By focusing on what we have and expressing appreciation, we invite more blessings into our experience. [21:23]
4. Tithing as an Opportunity: In Unity, tithing is seen as an opportunity to align with the universal principle of giving and receiving. It is a joyful act that reflects our trust in the divine flow and our willingness to participate in the cycle of abundance. [22:49]
5. Prosperity as a Journey: Prosperity is a continuous journey that requires ongoing practice and alignment with divine principles. By embracing this journey, we open ourselves to infinite possibilities of abundance and fulfillment in all areas of our lives. [37:34] ** [37:34]
Unity's perspective on prosperity is that we know that we have all that we need. Prosperity in Unity is not just about money; it's about a holistic feeling of well-being that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial well-being. True prosperity is about realizing that we are always supported in this abundant universe. [00:14:51]
Charles Fillmore, the co-founder of Unity, taught that prosperity is a natural state of being. He said, "It is the law of spirit that we must give in order to receive." This idea is central to our concept of prosperity in Unity, not as a rule imposed upon us but as a spiritual law that unlocks divine abundance for each and every one of us. [00:16:05]
Katherine Ponder said that you are prosperous to the degree that you experience peace, health, and plenty in your world. The law of circulation focuses on the idea that we give and we receive. The universe operates in a cycle, just like everything else in this world. When we give freely, we affirm that we are abundant. [00:17:37]
Emily Cady, an early Unity influencer, said, "The giving of money, time, or service, when done with the right attitude, opens the way for a full and unhampered return." When we give with joy and trust, we open ourselves to the availability of receiving. This fosters the idea that we have enough and should be grateful. [00:19:51]
Gratitude is a magnet for prosperity. It expands our awareness of the good in all of our lives. When we give and receive, we are giving to the circulation that is available to everyone. Giving with gratitude affirms that we are already abundant, opening the way to greater blessings for yourself and those you give to. [00:21:23]
In Unity, tithing is not an obligation but an opportunity. It's about opening ourselves up to the divine flow and aligning with the universal principle of give and receive. Giving is a joyful act and a statement of our trust. When we give and receive openly, we align with the truth of our own prosperity. [00:22:49]
Prosperity is a spiritual state; it's not just about financial wealth. It includes our well-being, relationships, purpose, and peace of mind. True prosperity is a reflection of our inner consciousness. Katherine Ponder said you are prosperous to the degree that you are experiencing peace, health, and plenty in the world. [00:24:22]
Unity teaches that God or spirit is the infinite source of all abundance. By aligning with this divine principle, individuals open themselves up to receiving blessings in all areas of life. Prosperity is not just possible; it's promised. The law of circulation reminds us that when we give, we receive, and prosperity is our divine right. [00:26:37]
Unity emphasizes that the power of our minds can create what we experience. Our beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes shape our experiences, including our financial prosperity. Katherine Ponder said, "When you think of the things you want and keep thinking of them with enthusiasm, you are planting the seeds of prosperity." [00:30:22]
Faith and gratitude open the flow of prosperity. When we focus on what we have and express appreciation, we attract more good into our lives. Gratitude is scientifically proven to improve our well-being. By focusing on what we have, we express appreciation and attract more good, opening ourselves to more abundance. [00:34:31]
Prosperity is a journey, not a destination. It's not about getting everything you need all at once but about getting what you need right now and being open to what you need tomorrow. Stop worrying about not having enough. Fear blocks energy flow. Instead, affirm that you have all you need in this moment. [00:37:34]
Reflect on how you are experiencing abundance in your life. How do you participate with abundance, and how can you do so more fully in this divine cycle of giving and receiving? Be grateful for what you have and what you've already given. Open your heart to experiencing more abundance in your life. [00:41:19]