Soul Propserity

3 Jn 2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.     KJV

Many today take this as a promise of the Lord for their own prosperity; and I am not going to argue with that stance. I will pass by the statement that it is simply John’s wish for his friend.

We will assume it is God’s ‘wish’ for us all.

However, there are many who claim this verse, but do not see the condition that is attached to it. Most all the promises in the Bible are conditional. They are conditioned upon some act or belief within the human who would benefit from the promise.

This is no exception.

The condition is given as: even as your soul prospers. That means “in the same manner as,” or, “to the same degree.”

Yes, everyone wants prosperity. Yes, everyone wants to be in health. But few are willing to ensure that their soul is prospering first of all, before their bank account.

Indeed, most people are doing what they can to make sure that their soul does not prosper!

The soul is the seat of the mind, will, and emotions.

Is your mind prospering?

I didn’t say, “Do you (in your mind) see yourself as prosperous?” I said, “Is your mind prospering?”

Is your mind getting richer in the things of God as each day passes? Are  you being transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2)? Is your mind always filled with the good things listed in Phil. 4:8?

If not, then it is doubtful that your soul is prospering.

Do you lay down your own will to take up His will on a daily basis? Do you lean to your own understanding, or do you find yourself at all times trying to find the will of God for each new situation throughout your day (Pro. 3:5)?

If not, then it is doubtful that your soul is prospering.

Are you a slave to the rollercoaster of your emotions? Do you go by what you ‘feel’ rather than what you know?

If you do, then it is doubtful that your soul is prospering.

Your bank account and the health of your body are both tied into the propserity of the soul in this verse.

Even as, ie., in the same measure that your soul propsers.

Seek first, only, and always the Kingdom of God, and all the things you need to manifest properity will be added to you (Matt. 6:33).