III John 1 The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
John, as an aged man, gave a wish for the churches and for all as individual Christians. He wished that they might prosper and be in health. It was a hard time of persecution for the church. He prayed for their prosperity and health, but he spoke of it as to their whole being. Physical health is important. Material prosperity is important. However, it is important to look at our whole person—our health and prosperity as a whole—body, soul, and spirit.
Whatever happens to the body is not as important as the prosperity of the soul. Physical health might be down, but if the health of the soul is good, we still prosper. Many in John’s day died horrible deaths for being a Christian, but they died in good spiritual health. Regardless of our physical health, importance must be placed on the soul, mind and spirit. We need to be right with God. Whether we prosper in this world or not, we have treasure in heaven when our soul is right with God. What a blessing to consider and always remember!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 