What Does It Mean To Thrive?

I think we can all agree that we want to do more than just survive in life.

We want to thrive in life. 

According to Dictionary.com, the word “thrive” means “to prosper; be fortunate or successful”. (1)

I would say that thriving largely relates to our internal well-being, for we can have all the success that the world idolizes (fame, material possessions, etc.), but still feel empty and lifeless inside.

Thriving begins from the inside out. 

God’s definition of thriving is often very different from ours. I believe that a great place to start when looking at what it means to thrive from God’s perspective can be found in Jesus’ words in Matthew 5. 

I like to say it like this:

“Matthew 5 is how you thrive.” 

At the beginning of Matthew chapter five, Jesus teaches us how we can live “blessed”. He actually gives nine statements that all begin with the word “blessed”. 

Before we further examine these verses, it’s important to understand the original meaning of the word “blessed” in this context. The Greek word for “blessed”, makarios, means “happy, fortunate, well-off, to be envied”. (2)

Yes, “happy” is actually a very accurate definition for what Jesus means here. 

Jesus lists several characteristics of what it means to thrive and to be happy

In Matthew 5:3-11 also known as The Beatitudes He says blessed are:

1. The poor in spirit

2. Those who mourn

3. The meek

4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness

5. The merciful

6. The pure in heart

7. The peacemakers

8. Those who are persecuted because of righteousness

9. Those who are insulted, persecuted and falsely spoken against because of Jesus

The majority of these involve suffering and death to our flesh

• If we are to be merciful, there must be an offense that we choose to forgive.

• If we are to be meek, we have to suffer without retaliating and trying to defend ourselves and our reputation.

• If we are to make peace, there is most likely going to be some kind of war involved.

All require us to lay down our pride

Although most of Jesus’ definitions of what it means to be happy and fortunate involve some kind of pain, the promises He gives for these as well as the lasting internal peace and joy are well worth it. 

• The poor in spirit have the kingdom of heaven,

• The merciful receive mercy

• Those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake reap great rewards in heaven. 

Remember, thriving begins on the inside. So what good is it to have all the “success” that the world desires if we are not experiencing true satisfaction and lasting peace and joy that remains even through the hard times?

We will live our best life when we submit to God’s idea of a blessed life

God also describes what it means to be blessed in the Old Testament with some rather shocking verses. 

Check out Job 5:17: 

Blessed is the one whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty 

Wow! Happy and thriving are those who are disciplined by God and receive and apply His correction. 

After all, Jesus says He rebukes and disciplines those He loves (Rev. 3:19). The Father also disciplines us for our good as His beloved children that we may share in His holiness (Heb. 12:10). If we accept God’s discipline and correction and are trained by it, we will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace (Heb. 12:11). 

We can see from both the Old and New Testaments that God’s definition of what it means to thrive likely will involve trials and suffering. However, the internal peace and joy as well as the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary pain. 

We will truly thrive and find the wholeness and satisfaction we are desperate for when we obey the Lord and do life His way.

References 

1. Dictionary.com. “Thrive.” 

2. BibleHub. 3107. Makarios.