TEXT: 3 John 2-4
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
The only way to enjoy divine prosperity as a Christian is to walk in the truth and word of God. Millions of believers who have understood and applied this principle can testify to the fact that it works. Unfortunately, many Christians are yet to see the wisdom and power in this word and therefore do not enjoy the divine prosperity God has ordained for them as His children.
1. The Principle of Divine Prosperity
The principle of divine prosperity is beautifully captured in the above passage. Clearly, we see that divine prosperity does not necessarily refer to only wealth, riches and possessions. The world equates prosperity with wealth, but God prospers people in many other things as well. Money is only one of them. A common mistake many Christians make is to believe God has not prospered them because they are not wealthy; though they may be prospering in so many other things. The Apostle John talked about prospering in ALL THINGS, just as our souls prosper. Many christians fail to recognise that divine prosperity is a comprehensive package and seek for prosperity in traveling abroad etc; when indeed their prosperity has already begun. If you are healthy, gainfully employed, married with children, serving God faithfully and enjoy the peace of God, then consider that as prosperity. And when you do so, the peace of God will overshadow you and you will not be bitter, envious or dissatisfied.
Good health is another very important thing christians need to prosper in. Health means life. If you are not in good health you cannot enjoy your life, or live long enough to enjoy God’s prosperity. Divine prosperity therefore goes with good health. There are three aspects to health:
- God maintaining you in good health.
- God healing you from sickness.
- God blessing you with long life.
John the Apostle added “just as your soul prospers” (v2). What he meant was that a Christian’s material prosperity and good health is directly dependent on the prosperity and wellbeing of their soul. This implies that if your soul is not prospering, it will lead to lack of divine prosperity in your life. That is, material prosperity and good health will become a challenge. Yes, God may grant you a little grace, but you will not enjoy the total package of divine prosperity God has in store for you.
What Does Prosperity of the Soul Mean?
If you wish to enjoy divine prosperity, then you must make sure your soul prospers first. This is the only divinely ordained channel for your whole being to prosper. Your soul is actually your consciousness and made up of three parts:
- Your Intellect – knowledge, intelligence, skills etc.
- Your Mind – what you think about, what is important to you etc.
- Your Emotions – Your reaction to things. eg. joy, sadness, worry etc.
How do we prosper in these three areas? The only way to prosper in the soul is to walk in the Word of God. In 3John 3-4 John noted that his friend Gaius was walking in the truth, and therefore his soul was prospering. He told Gaius to expect to enjoy divine prosperity and health as well. Walking in the Word is knowing the Word of God and obeying it to the letter: no lying, cheating, stealing, fornicating, idolatry, pride, selfishness, wickedness etc etc.
Indeed divine prosperity here on earth means you are destined to receive the ultimate prosperity of eternal life in heaven.
2. Obeying the Word the Key to Divine Prosperity
Ecclesiastics 10:10
If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.
This passage describes two ways of cutting down your “tree” (receive your divine prosperity); and the common mistake many Christians make that delays their divine prosperity. Though they are not prospering and desire to prosper, they continue to do things the same old way. Many Christians are serving God, but in the same old way and on their own terms. Remember Jesus Himself undertook His assignment on earth with a very sharp axe, just as other heroes of the Bible did! This is a divine principle all who desire to prosper must apply in all areas of their lives.
Know and understand that the only way to prosper is to make sure our souls prosper as we walk in the truth. Walking in the truth is obeying the Word of God. Therefore if you are not prospering in some areas it means your “axe” is dull and needs sharpening or you are not applying the required force.
Determine to do away with every dullness in your relationship with God and sharpen your spiritual life. Focus on walking in the truth and God’s divine prosperity will be your portion.
3. Handling Prosperity the Godly Way
Deuteronomy 8:17-20
Then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth. 18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. 20 As the nations which the LORD destroys before you, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the LORD your God.
This is a warning to Christians God is prospering. The danger with prosperity is that some forget about God; becoming puffed up and taking the credit for themselves. They stop serving God and begin to serve the gods of fame, power, money etc. Moving in such worldly circles usually brings such careless Christians down, leading to their destruction. Let your prosperity honour God who alone is the source of divine prosperity.