The Prosperity of Christians

We may have at some time said to someone “may you prosper in all you do.” The word “prosper” means “to succeed in an enterprise or activity; especially: to achieve economic success; to become strong and flourishing.” While we may be encouraging one to prosper financially, usually we are meaning for one to succeed, to become strong, and flourish in what they do, especially in living a life as a Christian. Many people strive to prosper in a worldly sense but the dedicated, devoted Christian strives to prosper spiritually. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2).

Why Should We Prosper Spiritually?

The Christian understands that this world and all of its good will one day be destroyed and that all that really matters is that we strive to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). Spiritual prosperity produces joy and peace to the Christian (3 John 2-4, 14). The end result of our Spiritual prosperity will be a home with God. The apostle Paul wrote “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). It is such a great encouragement to every Christian to know that their walk on this earth will ultimately result in great prosperity with the Lord in eternity as long as we keep the faith and diligently serve Him all of our days.

What Produces Eternal Prosperity?

In order for us to enjoy the joys of heaven with our Lord in eternity, we must know and understand what it is that produces the prosperity that we must have. A genuine love of God will motivate us to stay the course and strive to please Him in all things during this earthly walk. We are reminded by our Lord what the most important thing is for us to do. “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength....” (Mark 12:30). When we have learned to Love God in this way, then all the instructions that God asks of us in His Word will certainly not be burdensome to us (1 John 5:3). Furthermore, we understand that walking in truth (3 John 3), being godly (1 Timothy 4:8), walking in righteousness (Psalms 1:1-6), and imitating good (3 John 11), will result in our souls being saved in Christ.

May we all, as Christians, strive to prosper spiritually so that we can gain an eternal home with our Lord. Things will come and go, but the precious words of Jesus, when obeyed, will lead us to eternal prosperity!