A soul that prospers

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,

even as thy soul prospereth.”

3 John 2 [KJV]

On our drive to church, we pass a large gym that is open 24/7. Their carpark is always full, and through the front glass windows you can see dozens of people using treadmills, exercise bikes and boxing bags. It’s been particularly busy these last couple of months, no doubt because most New Year’s resolutions relate to physical health or finances. Both areas matter to Christians since we are called to be stewards of the bodies and resources God gives us (1 Corinthians 4:2, 6:19-20, Luke 16:10).

But some people make idols of health or money. A good desire to be physically fit can quickly spiral into supplement abuse, eating disorders, self-harm through such methods as excessive exercise, or an obsession with physical appearance. Likewise, a desire to be wise with finances can become a ‘make money at all costs’ mindset that stifles generosity, and fuels anxiety, unethical decisions, broken relationships and disregard for God’s will.  

In Christian circles, the prosperity gospel philosophy is a particularly harmful expression of man’s obsession with material things. Outward health and wealth, some claim, always indicates spiritual strength. The millionaire must therefore be more spiritual than the person living in poverty, and the person without arthritis than the person with chronic illness. In short: if you’re truly spiritual, God guarantees health and wealth—so if you lack either, you must be spiritually deficient.

But prosperity gospel claims are unbiblical. Scripture tells us to expect suffering like Jesus did (2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 4:12-13), and to set our affections on eternal, not temporary, things (2 Corinthians 4:18). Christ himself did not accumulate wealth – he had nowhere to lay his head (Matthew 8:20). Apostles like Paul and John, authors of 18 or 19 books of the New Testament –both died in suffering and poverty. In 3 John 2, the Apostle prays regarding Gaius, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Evidently, Gaius was a strong man of faith, even though his material circumstances and health were lacking. 

3 John 2 clearly teaches it is possible to prosper spiritually even in times of poor physical health or financial strain. This truth is both an encouragement to those in difficult circumstances, and a reminder to all of us to prioritise spiritual health. With this in mind, let’s consider what a prosperous soul looks like, and how we can have one.

How can you tell whether a soul is prospering? Since wealth and physical health are not reliable indicators, we need to turn to sound, scriptural measures. Just as an abundant crop indicates a thriving apple tree, spiritual fruit indicates a healthy soul. In Galatians 5:22-23 we read, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” In 3 John, we read Gaius had a godly testimony: “the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee” (3 John 3b). Gaius is described as walking in truth (v3), faithful (v5), charitable and hospitable (v5-6). John “rejoiced greatly” when he heard of Gaius’ character and actions (v4) – indicating prosperity in the souls of both individuals. Gaius was growing and bearing fruit, and John was so aligned with God’s desires that what brought joy and glory to the Father brought joy to him too. It filled John with a heart to pray for the needs of fellow Christians (John 15:8, 3 John 3-4). Similarly, Paul rejoiced at seeing fruit in the Corinthians – in this instance, repentance from sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Souls that prosper care deeply about what matters to God: “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5).

How can we have a soul that prospers? Spiritual health does not depend on circumstances, because it comes from an internal source – Christ in us. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Verse after verse of Scripture identify spiritual fruit that can be ours because of our relationship with Christ. For example, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We prosper and bear fruit when we delight in Scripture (Psalm 1:1-3) and continue in the faith that saved us: "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). God uses trials to test and prove us (1 Peter 1:7), and promises forgiveness and cleansing when we repent of the sin that prevents us from having fellowship with Him (1 John 1:7,9). Our souls will prosper too, when we love not the world that is not of the Father (1 John 2:15), and instead set our affections on things above (Colossians 3:2).

Let’s aspire to be like Gaius and have a soul that prospers.