What is it that game shows, lotteries, raffles, roulette and other games of chance have that grab the attention and desire of millions of people and generates the winning and losing of millions of dollars? Is it merely the challenge or the chance of winning money? The real underlying question is not “Who wants to be a millionaire?” but who wants instant and easy riches without earning or working for it?

The Bible teaches us that money generated in this manner does not last. “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:5)

“A faithful man will abound with blessings. But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 28:20)

Does God want us to prosper? Yes, but He knows that instant and easy riches can be dangerous and destructive to us. (See Psalms 62:10) God knows that unless on prospers on the inside, in his soul, no amount of riches will make him “happy, healthy and wise.” “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2)

God gives us dozens of principles to enable us to prosper in our soul and also financially. God is the greatest investment counselor in the world. Riches accumulated God’s way brings true prosperity. “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)

Allow me to share a few of God’s principles of prosperity that if one meditates on and observes to put into practice will enable one to prosper. (See Joshua 1:6-9)

First, SEEK GOD AND AN ABIDING RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. Put God and the things of God first in your life. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Second, WORK IS GOD’S WAY OF INCREASE. (See Proverbs 13:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)

Third, INVESTING SLOW BUT SURE BRINGS REWARD. (See Proverbs 6:6-8) It’s also a good rule of thumb to set aside a little savings each paycheck for a rainy day or the winter years of our life.

Fourth, HAVE A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF INSURANCE. (See Proverbs 30:27)

Fifth, ASK GOD FOR THE THINGS YOU NEED AND DESIRE. Trust Him to provide. “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread (See Matthew 6). Ask for wisdom in making financial decisions. (See James 1:5; 4:2)

Sixth, LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. Avoid the hook of advertisers for things you don’t need. (See Philippians 4:5,12; 1 Timothy 6:4-8)

Seventh, TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR POSSESSIONS. (See Proverbs 24:30-34)

Eighth, DON’T BORROW ANYTHING THAT DOESN’T HELP YOU GET OUT OF DEBT. (See Deuteronomy 28:12) There is reasonable indebtedness. Perhaps a car to get to and from work, or a house to keep us from paying rent the rest of our lives. But God wants us to be out of debt.

Ninth, DON’T USE CREDIT CARDS UNLESS YOU KEEP THE BALANCE PAID MONTHLY. It is foolish to pay 18% interest on unpaid balances. (See Romans 13:8)

Tenth, PAY GOD HIS TITHE (10% of our total salary and benefits). God promises to bless and prosper those who put Him first and trust and obey Him in tithing THEIr increase to God and His work. (See Malachi 3:10, Proverbs 3:9, Matthew 23:23) There is a curse on those who rob God and a blessing on those who tithe. It releases us from greed and selfishness and opens the windows of heaven.

Eleventh, BE GENEROUS IN GIVING. Oral Roberts was correct when he began teaching years ago the principles of sowing and reaping. (See Matthew 19:29, Galatians 6:7-10, 2 Corinthians 9:6)

Do you want to be a millionaire? We have focused mostly on money, but God foremost wants to prosper your soul. Jesus told us to lay up treasure in heaven, “That does not fail, where no theif approaches nor moth destroys.” (Matthew 12:21,33) “For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.” By serving God and living in obedience to Him, you can lay up eternal dividends in God’s heavenly bank.

You can be richer that a millionaire when you commit your life to the One who left the glories of heaven and came to earth to die on the cross for your sins. When God lifts you out of the “miry clay of sin” and sets your feet on the solid rock, Christ Jesus, you are truly richer than a millionaire. Begin to experience His riches today. (See 1 John 1:9-10)