“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth”. (3 John 2).
The year 2017 has come and gone. There is no doubt that some people accomplished what they set out to do at the beginning of the year. To such their dreams and aspirations were realized. Some also did not fulfil their dreams. They are still looking unto the Lord. Some right now are in agony because of what they are passing through.
No matter whatever your situation may be, one thing is certain and that is you can never recall the year 2017: So here we are in the year 2018. There is the usual feeling and belief that every New Year comes with it good things. As a result many believe that in the course of the year they will achieve those things they were unable to achieve during the past year. That they will have in the new year happiness, business success (i.e the usual expected breakthrough), success in education, health and a harmonious family life, and so on. All these are justifiably in the forefront of our expectations.
John’s wish for his friend Gaius was that he will prosper and be in good health. But Gaius had an advantage over many people – that is his soul prospered too. His soul had already prospered in the things of God, hence John wished that the physical life should prosper also to match the spiritual prosperity already achieved.
What this means is that Gaius (his soul) had been reconciled with God. The peace of God dwells in his soul so that he lives in close fellowship with God and is aware that God is the source of his strength.
Today our own situation differs. We tend to neglect the well-being of our souls while we pursue material things that does not last. The desire to acquire wealth by all means do hinder the progress of our Souls. Some don’t even consider its well-being at all. We tend to equate material prosperity with that of Soul, hence we are not mindful of eternity. People believe that when they have money, they have gotten everything that matters.
The Bible asks this question: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his Soul? or what can a man give in exchange for his Soul?” (Matt. 16: 12). True prosperity therefore, is that of the Soul being reconciled first with God, and then Material/Financial prosperity will follow. This comes when we are truly obedient to God.
It is only through the power of the Anointed One “The Christ” that we can be focused on things that have eternal value. That anointing power will also give us the grace to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (this year) and all other things will be added unto us.
So brethren, let us learn to obey God in all things and be reconciled to Him. It is my prayer that you will enjoy good health, and that all will go well with you this year. That your Soul will prosper in Jesus’ Name. All the powers of the devil will fall for your sake this year by the same power of the Anointed One, Jesus. Amen.
Happy New Year.