Thursday, September 25, 2008

Prosperity of the Soul

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 2

Much is being spoken of today on the subject of prosperity. The self-help sections of bookstores are crammed with books teaching us how to become more prosperous or rich. Obviously, prosperity “sells” as it is the major theme of much of today’s preaching. This subject dominates Christian broadcasting programming. But material prosperity is not that which is spoken of by Christ Jesus and the apostles. It is something more precious.

The apostle John was also a prosperity preacher but not in the same vein of today’s materialistic crowd. He desired above all things for his readers to experience prosperity: prosperity of the soul. One is never more rich than when one overflows with prosperous soul. Such a soul flourishes with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faithulness, meekness and self-control. Understandably, the soul that prospers is the soul the overflows with happiness and enjoys life each day regardless of the circumstance.

The world cannot offer this type of prosperity nor can materials provide such satisfaction in life although many chase its counterfeit glimmer. Yet, prosperity of the soul is available to all regardless of economic, educational or cultural status. It can be found through Christ and His Word. I am reminded of the words spoken through Joshua before the children of Israel entered the Promised Land as he reminded them, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful 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).

Let us all desire being rich in the soul as it is available to all. The world can’t give it and the world can’t take it away.

No comments: