ICS Daily Devotions
Prosperity Isn’t Just About Money
3 John 1:2-4 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
COVID 19 has presented countless challenges to us. Not only do they reveal the state of our spiritual lives, our relationships with loved ones, our priorities, and our values in life, but they also take a heavy toll on us emotionally, physically, and mentally. Studies have shown that the effects from pandemic management include anxiety, depression, trauma, loneliness, and even increased domestic violence. If we don’t want to waste a crisis in our lives, we must walk intentionally in the truth and Spirit.
In the above prayer by the Apostle John for his disciple Gaius, he expressed God’s heart for us too. It is God’s desire for us to prosper holistically—in every aspect of our lives and experience the fullness of God’s truth. Biblical prosperity is not just financial prosperity even though it is wonderful to be well-provided for by the Lord so that we can be a blessing to others. Godliness with contentment is great gain indeed because discontentment will make us frustrated due to the loss of opportunities, live in regrets and impatient with the hindrances brought about by the prolonged pandemic. We don’t need to become multi-millionaires to be content, but to have more than sufficient. When we are content with what we have, we will be willing to give to others who are in need, but not if we are discontented with what we have or in lack.
The scope of holistic prosperity also includes growing spiritually by walking in the truth, as well as physical health and emotional wellness. Not only do we need physical health to serve the Lord well, but neither can we serve Him effectively if our soul is full of bitterness, unforgiveness and hurt in our lives, because we need to walk in love and forgiveness to be effective in ministry and to love others.
The abundant life is to have love, peace and joy that is found in the Lord. Isn’t that what we would all want for those we love? The greatest joy of any spiritual leader is to hear that their disciples are walking with the Lord, growing spiritually, imitating Christ, and experiencing holistic prosperity. Likewise, not only should we pray this prayer for holistic prosperity for our loved ones and friends, but those who are parents should also model to their children what true prosperity in the Lord looks like.
Sermon Series: Work on Your Well Being
