Perceived Prosperity...

4 They have no struggles;
    their bodies are healthy and strong.
5 They are free from common human burdens;
    they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
    they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
    their evil imaginations have no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
    with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
    and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them
    and drink up waters in abundance.
11 They say, “How would God know?    Does the Most High know anything?"
(Psalm 73:4-11)
This world paints a very pretty, but pernicious picture of prosperity. We do it through social idols, politicians, advertising, and propaganda. There are images of the perfect body, wearing the perfect clothing and jewelry, who goe through life acting as if no one else really matters. They speak in a condescending manner and presume that they "have arrived". They are a self-made succcess. And we begin to believe them. We form our lives, and our attitudes around what they say, do, and presume. And lest our envy destroy us, we begin to accept their doubt in and defiance of God.  We begin to forget that not only is God good, He is also all wise and powerful. We support the proud in their arrogance and forget the love, care, and future God has for us.  It's all a mirage intended to discourage and defeat us.  May we not accept the lies, but may we also not fight them with our our forms of pride or disrespect.  God has a better way, as we will see...