The personal integrity of Jabez produced influence, with both God and with man. His life reflected the abundance of a sound character.
An Abundance Mindset
In 1 Chronicles 4.9-10 we read about Jabez. He live perhaps 500 years or so before Solomon.
More importantly, he’s likely an early proponent of an abundance mindset. How so? He asked God to bless him!
A Sound Character
He saw his prayer for growth and influence answered because of who he was. He was “more honorable,” thus a person of sound character in the face of a tough start to his life.
We know that Jabez was “more honorable” according to First Chronicles 4.9. Thus, his life exhibited the abundance of a sound character.
That good character was built on top of a deeply spiritual nature.
Additionally, Jabez clearly understood the precept of Ask-Seek-Knock as much later expressed in Matthew 7.7-11. Solomon expressed this precept in Proverbs 9.1-6 in describing the open invitation to us that we hear from wisdom herself.
Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. 1 Chronicles 4.10, ESV
What He Asked For
His integrity produced influence, with both God and with man. He enjoyed multiplication in his life because of who he was and for what he was willing to ask.
What a picture of an abundant life!
Let’s look at the specifics of the prayer, which is essentially a prayer for God’s blessings.
To me, there are four very specific requests listed:
1). Bless Me.
2). Enlarge my border.
3). Be with me.
4). Protect Me.
“Bless me” is a request for God to pour out his blessings. That is, to show His favor. One place to see this pattern is in Numbers 6.24: “The Lord bless you…”
Next, God enlarges our border in several ways: material blessing, greater influence, and with supportive relationships. In so doing, “the Lord make His face shine upon (us)…” Numbers 6.25.
Then, God is with us as He walks alongside, guides us, and “leads us beside still waters.”
Finally, God protects us emotionally, physically, and spiritually with His presence in our lives.
In regard to personal and professional growth, it’s not who I was, or who I am today that matters. Actually, who I’m becoming is what returns long-term dividends! That’s the multiplication principle at work in me to produce abundance. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some Takeaways
By asking, Jabez was displaying intentionality, which is a key aspect of an abundance mindset.
Enlargement speaks to an understanding of the multiplication principle.
It’s reasonable for a person of faith to ask God for growth. Likewise, I can expect personal and professional growth to occur as a result of that deep heart desire.
Wording this request in the form of a prayer acknowledges dependence on God Himself. That is, I put in the effort, but I am reliant on God’s blessings if I am to enjoy the abundance of a sound character.