“A prosperous soul is secured by faith in Jesus Christ and rooted in the truth of God.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 3, 2022
The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 3 John 1:1-3, NKJV
What does it mean to prosper? The short answer is to be successful in the ways of God. His ways are not always your ways, so it’s wise to gain a heart of understanding and wisdom into the mind of Christ and He will show you what prosperity looks like for you. The prosperous are successful in experiencing life that is truly life—abundant life in Christ. Prosperity does not guarantee financial riches, in fact, it may very well mean you decrease your focus on making money and increase your focus on giving money away. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about taking but giving, not being served but serving. As you follow Jesus you will prosper in what matters most—service in His kingdom. The Lord’s will for you is to prosper in all things, so get ready!
The beloved disciple John describes prosperity in all things, and to be healthy just as your soul prospers. He is writing to his friend Gauis in the context of John’s love for him as he walks in the truth. He prays for his beloved’s prosperity of soul to directly contribute to his good physical health. The correlation of a healthy character that promotes clean living and in turn, can lead to good health. The testimony of friends who noticed Gauis’ prosperous life of truth caused John to celebrate! A prosperous soul is secured by faith in Jesus Christ and rooted in the truth of God.
“Blessed is the man. Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3).
Are you prospering in the ways of God or are you distracted by the ways of the world? Only to the degree you are prospering internally (spirit, mind, will, emotions) can you be trusted with external (wealth, opportunities, relationships) prosperity. Internal prosperity is ever learning and applying truth in joyful obedience to Jesus. There is a prosperous love exchange with the pure love of the Lord that elevates motivations and moves conversations into the deep and sublime. Pause and pray for yourself and others you love to prosper in soul, strength and truth for God.
When soul prosperity captures a communities’ imagination, joy and Kingdom outcomes erupt. But I must warn you. Be careful to very intentionally invest first in God’s Kingdom. If you fail to prosper in the Kingdom, you may grow affluent, but become relationally bankrupt in the process. You may have a self-curated image of success, but be mastered by unhealthy emotions i.e., shame, guilt, resentment. You may gain the whole world, but lose your soul in the process. A prosperous man of God seeks success in being a student of the Word, a faithful steward, an obedient beloved son and a lover of the Lord and people. Joy and truth are fruits of prosperity.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the faith and heart to seek first your Kingdom and to grow a prosperous soul, through Christ’s love, and in His name I pray, amen.
Application
How can I replace any striving for money with prayer and investment in God’s Kingdom?
Related Reading
Genesis 24:40; Judges 18:5; Proverbs 11:25, 27:17; Luke 16:11; 1 Timothy 6:19
Worship Resource
Jason Upton: Seek First
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