There are countless self-development books and motivational seminars which teach principles and strategies for successful living. One of the things many of these resources teach is, “We are what we think,” based upon a truth set forth in Proverbs 23. Many of those who have taught this truth are right, and they wonderfully give credit where credit is due—God’s Word.
Proverbs 23:7:
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he….
We determine our heart by our thought patterns, which determine our believing. So this truth could also be stated this way: “We are what we believe.” Everyone believes. And all beliefs will produce either positive or negative results. To be on the positive and winning side of believing is to come to the Fountainhead of truth, God and His Word. And His Word teaches us exactly what and how to believe. Those who humbly take these things to heart will manifest a life which is more abundant.
James 1:21:
…and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save [make whole] your souls [personality, thoughts, emotions, capacities of will].
Any person who truly seeks to build their belief system upon the Word of God can expect a number of abundant and prosperous promises coming to pass in their lives.
Psalms 1:3:
And he [a believing man or woman] shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
What figurative language, emphasizing what a person’s life can be when they believe God’s Word—they will prosper. And prosperity is not referring just to physical wealth but to all of the varied aspects of life and living.
Let’s take a look at some astonishing specifics regarding this available fruitfulness and prosperity that comes along with believing God. And as we search the Scriptures, notice how God has the heart of a loving parent—He just wants to provide His children with all they’ll ever need to have a full, blessed, and prosperous life.
II Corinthians 9:8:
And God [our heavenly Father] is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
III John 2:
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Ephesians 1:19:
And what is the exceeding greatness of his [the Father’s] power to us-ward who believe.…
These truths are just a sampling of all that our lives can become by believing God!
There are two simple keys to unlock the doors to believe the truth of the Word. We’ve already seen the first, receive with meekness the engrafted Word from James 1:21. When we are meek, humble, and believe the Word we are taught, the Word in our hearts becomes dynamically effective.
I Thessalonians 2:13:
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
The second key is our personal discipline to read and study the Scriptures. We do this to build our scope, understanding, and conviction of the truth.
Ephesians 3:4:
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.
II Timothy 2:15:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
When it comes to what we believe, let’s choose the victorious and positive side by coming to the Fountainhead of truth, God and His Word. Let’s receive with desire and humility the Word of Truth to help us grow in our believing. And let’s read and study God’s Word to help strengthen our understanding and personal conviction of the truth. Let’s place ourselves in a position to manifest a prosperous life in whatsoever we do, where God provides for our every need so that we may do good.
Truly successful lives belong to the men and women who believe God and His Word. And yes, they are what they believe—the children of the living God!