Earlier this week, I had the experience of having my hair cut at a local barber shop. It’s remarkable how good conversation, good music, and a really good haircut work together to rejuvenate the soul. I left the barber shop chair feeling like I was ready to take on the world!
The ability to feel good about oneself is vital to a healthy sense of self-worth, and great grooming can certainly help a person feel good. But even the best haircut is limited in what it can provide for one’s well-being.
The Bible teaches us that genuine, permanent fulfillment comes not a result of external changes we might make, but from inner health – from well-being that starts in our souls. In 3 John 1:2, the author is writing to his friend Gaius, and he states “…I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
To prosper is to flourish, to grow strong and healthy. When we consider the phrase “to prosper”, the first context that typically comes to mind is to prosper materially, or financially. However, it’s also possible for our souls to prosper.
Evidently John hadn’t seen his friend in some time, but heard through friends that Gaius had learned some spiritual truths, and his soul was becoming strong and healthy as he faithfully applied the truths he had learned. John had discovered that Gaius’ soul was prospering.
John lets Gaius know that he was praying for him to prosper both financially and physically, just as his soul was prospering. Gaius needed to know it wasn’t just God’s will for his soul to prosper, but it was also God’s desire for him to do well financially, and to be in health. An overflow of finances and a healthy body lets the world know of God’s goodness, and gives us the ability to bless those around us.
However, there is a progression that prosperity takes, and it happens from the inside out. In order to truly prosper in life, your soul must prosper first. That requires us to learn what things in life really matter – to acquire the values and character traits that cause our soul to become strong and healthy.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus himself told us “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” What are “all these things?” Well, if you read the previous verses, Jesus was discussing the material and physical needs – food, drink, clothing, etc.
Then, in Romans 14:17 we learn that the Kingdom of Heaven is righteousness, peace, and joy. Those are all soul issues. To become righteous means you receive right relationship with God through Jesus, and the result is peace and joy in your soul.
When we purpose to pursue inner prosperity, then financial increase and physical health will eventually follow. Those are the natural consequences of a soul that is prospering. Don’t overlook the spiritual issues – the soul issues, and you’ll be able to prosper in all areas of your life!