Recently I began a five-week prosperity class based on what I have learned about prosperity since I became a metaphysician. I already felt God’s Presence and I was not quite ready to look at the ways in which my life was not working. (This, I would eventually come to see, was a lack of prosperity.)
Prosperity was the thing that fascinated me. I listened to authors, workshop leaders and ministers teach the principles of successful living and I was most fascinated by the idea of tithing. In many ways, I was typical; for my age group at the time. I knew that my problems would all be solved with a big influx of money! How could it work? How could giving away your financial income actually be a principle for increase? My logical mind wanted to argue, but Spirit, within me said, “Pay attention. There is something here for you to learn!”
Before I practiced the other principles, I began to practice tithing. However, I was only partially successful in demonstrating greater prosperity. Money came in and money went out. A little more came in than went out. I learned to depend on God as the Source of my supply. The more faith I developed, the more I prospered. Then when my husband and I were practicing together, we really began to prosper.
This week our class discussed what prosperity means to them. The list includes money, peace of mind, health and vitality, friendships, intimate relationships, travel, freedom and creative pursuits. I am certain that over the next few weeks we will get clearer and clearer about it.
We had a great discussion on tithing and charitable giving. Tithing is giving ten percent of all income back to our source of inspiration or God. Charitable giving is about helping people in need. It is a worthy practice but it is not tithing. We discussed that tithing could be to a church, an organization, a person, or an author. Wherever we have been spiritually fed, is where we tithe.
I shared my experiences of prosperity including having increased health and vitality, more money, trips all over the world, being loved by many and freedom. I also told the truth (I see more of it now) about the ways I was not prosperous. I encouraged the students to practice the principles we learned. We discussed having one’s speech, thoughts and feelings be positive, to affirm that we are prosperous and to begin to tithe, to keep track of the good that came into our lives and to be grateful for it all.
The following day, I experienced great generosity from an old friend. We planned to meet at Glen Ivy, and she booked massages for us both, got us a cabana, and paid for the whole day! I had the best time catching up with her, lounging by the pool and being served our lunch and drinks. The day was filled with joy! Her life has prospered in the years since we first met. One of the ways in which she has prospered, is that she is now a sought-after, paid speaker in her profession. She thanked me for teaching her how to be a great speaker. I would not have taken any credit for it, but I thought about it all the way home. It was an amazing day in many ways. As the song goes, “I am so blessed.”
