I WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS

The Third Epistle of John, often referred to as Third John was a private letter composed by John the Evangelist to a man named Gaius, recommending him to a group of Christians led by Demetrius, who came to preach the gospel in the area where Gaius lived. The purpose of the letter was to encourage and strengthen Gaius, and to warn him of Diotrephes' attitude, who refused to cooperate with John.

Reference: 3 John 2 King James Version (KJV) 'Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.'

Gaius was assumed to be very wealthy, and he comfortably hosted some travelling preachers for sometime (see 3 John 5-8 MSG). John identified and addressed him as 'the Elder' and commended him for his hospitality. He was rich toward God, supporting the work of the Kingdom and helping other Christian brothers and sisters, even the strangers among them.

In 3 John 1-4 (MSG), the content of John's letter started in this manner: 'The Pastor, to my good friend Gaius: How truly I love you! We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health- that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! I was most happy when some friends arrived and brought the news that you persist in following the way of Truth. Nothing could make me happier than getting reports that my children continue diligently in the way of Truth!'

In verse two, which is our Bible reference, John wished Gaius, his spiritual son, health of the body, health of the soul, and prosperity in secular affairs. This tells us that it is God's will for us to prosper and be in health continually because when John wrote that verse, he was expressing the mind of God, the heart of God, and the will of God.

The phrase 'above all things' indicates that all-round prosperity is at the very top of God's list of desires for His people. Webster's dictionary defines 'prosperity' as the condition of being successful or thriving especially in economic well-being. And John literally meant a long lasting well-being, peace, and prosperity for Gaius. Obviously, the more blessed you are, the more you can be a blessing. God wants to bless you so much so you can become the answer to the prayers of many in the earth. That's God's best for your life! He wants you to have more than enough, so you can help others.

Therefore, thriving financially would mean that you are abounding. Or you could say it this way: you have more than enough to meet every need. God wants to position you where, not only your needs are met but also you are able to get involved in meeting the needs of others with ease. As His own child, He also wants you to partake in the blessing of honouring His Kingdom with your finance. Just think about this: you being able to invest large sums of money into the Kingdom of God. Wouldn't that be a great way to live a fulfilled life?

God wants you to be able to help genuine ministries that He has raised up in these last days to reach the nations with the Good News that Jesus is Lord. He wants to use YOU in a greater capacity, if you let Him. Refuse to overlook the work of God and the progress of the Kingdom here on earth. Make up your mind that you'll do great things for God by means of promoting the Gospel. It all starts with a decision and a willing mind (2 Corinthians 8:12 KJV).

Now I understand that this may not be the way you are living right now. But spending time in God's Word will give you such vision and open your mind to divine ideas that will cause you to express the mind of Christ and increase in God's best, so you can give big to expand His Kingdom, fund divine projects and meet other people's needs (Zechariah 1:17 NKJV). Now begin to picture yourself doing all of these things. Then attach them to your goals and God will accomplish them through you.

Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 28:6; Proverbs 10:22; Job 22:21; Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 1:3.

Exuberant Declaration: I believe in prosperity; I believe in divine health and I live in them, even as my soul prospers. I enjoy a lifestyle of the miraculous in Christ. I'm always turned on by the Word and everything it offers. My life is the expression of God's best and I'm His outstretched hand of hope to my world. By the grace of God, I make progress spiritually, physically, financially, and materially and I'm rich toward God. Hallelujah!