If what people think about you moves you more than God's Word, then God isn't the Head of your life.
Most Christians desire to fulfill the will of God. And now that we're coming into the knowledge of God's covenant promises, we want everything that was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus. But the world tries to talk us out of our covenant rights and privileges. They especially don't like the message of prosperity and financial provision.

That provision is a wonderful inheritance which God has prepared for His children. And those who are mature, responsible and faithful will receive it. Galatians 4:1-2 says, "Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father."

So even though we may qualify as heirs to receive our inheritance, childlike tendencies will hinder us.

That may sound unfair, but it really isn't. For example, I love my daughters, but I can't give them a car if they aren't old enough or mature enough to handle it. Likewise, our heavenly Father loves us too much to give us things we can't handle. Therefore it's important that we understand what's needed to walk in the abundant life.

Although progress may vary from person to person, God expects us to grow in all areas of our lives-spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. In fact, He makes it happen. Psalm 115:14 says, "The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children."

We can make the growth process easier by desiring more of God's Word. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). That means, when we are thirsty for the Word, we put a demand on the Holy Spirit Who causes us to grow. "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

You see, God expects us to grow spiritually. And as we continue in our walk with the Lord, we will have grace — God's willingness to anoint us with His power and ability — to extend to others. Likewise, we will win souls to Jesus because we have a greater knowledge of Him. It will require that we make a quality decision to allow God's Word to mature us.

First Corinthians 13:11 says, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." Child of God, if you're still carrying a chip on your shoulder because of something that happened in the past, get over it and move on!

Stop allowing jealousy to keep you from rejoicing when a brother is promoted. And whatever you do, don't concern yourself with what people may think of you. One of the biggest barrier breakers for me was getting delivered from people bondage. Trust me, it can be done.

Put away childish behavior so you can walk in your inheritance.
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and  cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
(Eph. 4:14-15)
Grow up and be free from your old ways in order to fulfill your destiny. If what people think about you moves you more than God's Word, then God isn't the Head of your life. God can't work through you when all you're concerned about is popular opinion. John 12:42-43 says, "...Because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

Let's Stay Focused
We need to get our priorities straight. It's very simple: God is our loving Father. He is the all-powerful and all-knowing creator and possessor of heaven and earth. We should live to please Him. What Sue, Johnny and Joe think doesn't matter.

Isaiah 51:12 says:
I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and has feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? Where is the fury of the oppressor?
We should be focused on God. Listening to criticism and sarcastic remarks will cost you your healing, provision and the salvation of family members if you allow it to affect you. You see, it's not only about you. God wants to bless you so that you can bless others (Gen. 12:2-3).

You must beware. Satan will use people to tell you that it's wrong to prosper and be blessed. But he is the father of lies (John 8:44). He will try to shame you out of what is rightfully yours. If he succeeds, God's Word won't be effective in your life.

So be bold enough to apply the Word of God to your life and receive His blessings with a grateful heart. It doesn't matter who disagrees with your acts of obedience. Walk in complete liberty from people and their opinions so you can possess all the Father has for you.

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Gal. 5:1). If you are born again, Jesus Christ has made you free from the bondage of opinions so you can glorify God, free from poverty so you can be rich, and free from sickness and disease so you can be healed. He made you free to walk in liberty.

Like any loving father, God wants us all to grow up and mature. He has prepared a great inheritance for us. Make a quality decision to obtain wisdom through His Word and spend quality time in His presence. Before you know it you'll be walking in His freedom...and in His blessings continuously.

World Changers Church International
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