Two Types of Prosperity

"For several decades, a philosophy has been percolating in the 10 million--strong Pentecostal wing of Christianity that seems to turn the Gospels' passage on its head: certainly, it allows, Christians should keep one eye on heaven. But the new good news is that God doesn't want us to wait. Known (or vilified) under a variety of names--Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It, Prosperity Theology--its emphasis is on God's promised generosity in this life and the ability of believers to claim it for themselves.

In a nutshell, it suggests that a God who loves you does not want you to be broke. Its signature verse could be John 10: 10: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." In a TIME poll, 17% of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61% believed that God wants people to be prosperous. And 31%--a far higher percentage than there are Pentecostals in America--agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money."
-David van Biema and Jeff Chu. "Does God Want You To Be Rich?" Time Magazine 10 September, 2006

Among the many topics that we are asked about, the topic of Spiritual and Material Prosperity is one of the most popular. In today's message to you, I would like to present some material which, although it won't answer all of your questions, might inspire you to further study into this controversial, but very interesting topic! Open your Bible to 3 John, and let us begin...

3 John is an epistle addressed to Gaius, a man whom John would have prosper: "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 2). In this verse, John alludes to two types of prosperity:

a. There is spiritual prosperity ("just as your soul prospers");
b. And there is material prosperity ("that you may prosper in all things and be in health")

The manner in which John mentions and compares these two kinds of prosperity is interesting, and raises several questions worth considering:

a. What are the signs of spiritual prosperity?
b. What is the propriety of praying for material prosperity?
c. Would we want John to pray such a prayer for us?

In today's message, we shall attempt to answer these questions. Beginning with the first question, we need go any further than the context of Third John to look for "The Signs Of Spiritual Prosperity."

One sign is your "faithfulness to the truth." John rejoiced greatly when he heard from others of how the "truth" was in Gaius (3 Johnn 3a). That the "truth" was in Gaius was one indication that his soul
was prosperous.

You might be wondering, "What does it mean to have the "truth" in you? Let me present two possibilities:

a. It could refer to the abiding of Jesus in one's soul, as He is the truth (cf. John 14:6);
b. It could refer to the incorporation into our very heart and soul the teachings and principles of the gospel of Jesus. In other words, it pretty much means the same thing, for the latter brings about the former (cf. John 14:21-23; 1 John 3:24).

A prosperous soul, then, is one in which one's heart and mind has opened itself up to receive all that Jesus taught. And, that one is feeding daily upon the Word of God, whereby spiritual growth is possible (1 Peter 2:2).

Another sign of spiritual prosperity is that you "walk in the truth. John could also joyfully write of Gaius "walking in the truth" (3 John 3b-4). In a sense, there is a mixing of metaphors here

a. The truth abides in Gaius, and
b. Gaius walks in the truth

Perhaps that simply illustrates the limitation of human language to describe spiritual realities. The point to be made, however, is this: for there to be prosperity, there must be progress. It is not enough to simply sit and say "I have the truth in my soul." One must be acting upon it, living according to it, as illustrated by Jesus in His sermon on the mount (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). Friends, true blessedness comes in being a "doer" and not just a "hearer" (James 1:22-25; John 13:17).

Spiritual prosperity occurs as one feeds upon the truth of God found only in His Son Jesus Christ, and lives his or her life in harmony with that truth. So, Gaius prospered in his soul and so can we!

But Gaius' need was not spiritual prosperity, it evidently was material prosperity. This naturally brings up the question of "the propriety of praying for material prosperity."

For a possible answer, let's examine John's prayer for Gaius. John thought it was proper to pray for things other than spiritual needs (3 John 2). Whether it be family, business, or personal health, it is proper to pray that God might bless us in these areas. Besides, John was just following the example set by others (cf. Ps 144:12-15; Matthew 6:11.

Now here's the challenge of keeping it (praying for material prosperity) in proper perspective. First, if our desire for material prosperity is for personal gain, then we should not expect God to answer favorably (cf. James 4:2-4). But then there can be altruistic, or unselfish reasons for praying for material prosperity:

a. We can pray for health, that one might live longer to serve the Lord in this life;
b. We can pray for success in business, that we might have the means to help others;
c. We can pray for peace, that we might further the spread of the gospel.

Of course, it is much easier to pray with prosper perspective when it is others we are praying for, and not ourselves! With that, I would like to make a few final observations. The first one concerns "material prosperity in relation to spiritual prosperity."

Take a look at the statement in 3 John 2, "...even as your soul is getting along well." Here, John prays that Gaius prosper materially just as he does spiritually. In view of Gaius' spiritual prosperity (the truth abides in him, he walks in the truth), this prayer if answered would be a blessing to Gaius.

Would we want God to answer such a prayer in our behalf; to the degree that our souls prosper? Would we want Him to bless our physical bodies? Would we want Him to bless our families, our homes, our jobs, our nation? I dare say that in light of the spiritual condition of some Christians, such a prayer answered in their behalf would be a curse, not a blessing!

The next observation, I would like to make, is that "material prosperity is good, but spiritual prosperity is eternal." As Paul writes, godliness has "promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:7-8; 6:6-7). We can't take material prosperity with us, and it takes spiritual prosperity on our part (i.e., wisdom from God) to properly use the material blessings we have (1 Timothy 6:8-10, 17-19).

In conclusion, I would like to leave you with these thoughts. While we may certainly pray for our material prosperity, may we never lose sight of the fact that our greatest need is spiritual prosperity which lasts forever. Concentrate your efforts on prospering spiritually, and may the Lord in His Divine wisdom and grace bless you in all other ways accordingly!

Scriptural reference: 3 John: 2-4

Prayer:

Father, You know the exact number of words that will flow from my lips today; some of them meaningful while others are simply forgettable words. Would You make me sensitive to those who need caring words. Help me to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others as I offer words fitly spoken to those who need to hear a word from You through a servant like me. Amen.

May you have a blessed day!

Marcie