FlourishSample

More than a greeting!

God desires for us to flourish holistically. In the Old Testament, flourishing is best described through the Jewish word "Shalom," which signifies salvation, wholeness, integrity, soundness, community, connectedness, righteousness, justice, and well-being. It denotes a right relationship with God, his creation, and one another. The entire biblical narrative reveals that it is at the core of God's redeeming work. To grow, flourish, and prosper is in the nature and purpose of human design. At creation, there was perfect "Shalom" in the garden of Eden before sin came into play, and the storyline changed forever. Ever since then, God has provided means and promises for His people to grow and flourish; the ultimate way is Jesus! 

Biblical flourishing (prosperity), however, is highly communal and less individualistic, motivated on spreading God's nature and character throughout the Earth, as opposed to the worldly interpretation of prosperity that is self-focused and inwardly fixated. God's redemptive work is far more evident in and through us as a community if we are driven to not just build our lives, but help others build theirs too. The Shalom we experience in Jesus Christ is not exclusive! But if our intellect and knowledge of God do not translate to tangible physical actions towards ourselves and others, then it is all in vain. In Jesus' eyes, flourishing is inclusive of our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. When God speaks Shalom over us, He speaks it over all aspects of our lives, not just some. Let our flourishing be centered on the purposes of the Triune God- motivated, informed, and colored by the reality of God the Father, centered on Jesus the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let us be speakers, advocates, and cultivators of Shalom in and around our lives! That is what will bring about true flourishing.  

Reflections

What steps have we taken towards being made “whole” in the manner God intends us to be?

How can we be outwardly focused when it comes to flourishing? What can we do in our community to bring “Shalom” in it? 

How do we anchor our flourishing to God’s purpose?

Take Home Message

We truly flourish when we help others flourish.