Daily in Christ 12/16
December 16
Soul Prosperity
I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers
A few years ago a young woman flew out to Los Angeles from the East Coast with the understanding that I would spend some time with her. She professed to be a Christian, but her life was a mess. She was hearing demonic voices and was plagued with numerous problems. I'm surprised the airplane stayed in the air with her in it!
She told me that she had taken the first part of 3 John 2 as a personal promise: "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health." "If God has promised prosperity, success and health to me, why is my life all screwed up?" she complained.
"Finish the verse," I said.
". . .Just as your soul prospers," she continued.
I asked her pointedly, "How is your soul doing?" She told me she had submitted to three abortions as a result of illicit sexual affairs and she was presently living with another man outside of marriage. But she clung desperately to a misquoted promise.
I believe God wants us to prosper, but we must leave the definition of prosperity up to Him. In our sick Western world, we think prosperity is materialism. Try preaching that prosperity gospel in India, Somalia, or any Third World country. It's a cruel joke.
God is into soul prosperity. He wants our lives to be characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. And when our soul prospers, "He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies" (Romans 8:11).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may my soul prosper greatly in You today, and may my life be fruitful as a result.
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