Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2 (NKJV)
There’s a lot of contentions around the topic of prosperity in the Church. Does God really want us to be prosperous in every area of our lives? In our health, finances and relationships?
I would argue that He does… BUT not at the expense of relationship with Him!
You see His highest goal for you and I is that we enter into a relationship with Him through salvation. One of my faves, John 3:17 (the verse after the well known John 3:16) is “God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him.” Salvation is a complete work not a partial work. In other words, it means saving in every sense of our being; spiritual, physical, mental and emotional.
When Jesus healed the lame man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5) he would’ve most likely been a beggar. Jesus said to him “Rise, take up your bed and walk” which would have sent a message to every onlooker and every person who knew this man, that he no longer needed to beg. By healing him, Jesus ended the limitation that minimised his earning capacity and provided him the means to earn a proper days wage. Conversely Jesus challenged the ‘Rich Young Ruler’ to give up His riches and follow Him. In both cases, it was about where their identity was anchored. Was it in their ability to generate prosperity or lack there of, or was it founded in the One who owns “the cattle on a thousand hills”? Our Creator and provider.
Today don’t get caught up on ‘prosperity' – God wants it for you – but make sure you DO get caught up in the one who has the power to bring prosperity (through His saving power) into EVERY area of your life. It’s exactly what it means to make Him Lord. To follow His lead into the GOOD plans He has for you. You are blessed today… believe it!
