3 John 2
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

At first glance, this scripture looks like a promise for prosperity—if your soul is prospering.

Let’s look deeper. The word “prosper” in Greek means “to lead by a direct and easy way; to be successful.” In other words not walking a crooked, rocky path.

“Good health” is obviously referring to good health—but there is a deeper meaning for a Christian. It means having an opinion free from any mixture of error. Hmmm. A Christian having error might equate to a crooked, rocky path, would it not?

Later in this short epistle, John mentions a man named Diotrephes, who unjustly accuses John of wicked words and who doesn’t receive other believers. For the brethren who want to receive these believers, Diotrephes puts them out of the church. Sounds like an arrogant man in error, doesn’t it? Definitely not a leader in good spiritual health, for sure.

To assure we’re not walking the same path, we need to study all of God’s word so our actions will reflect God’s truth to the world.

Father God, in Your mercy,
show us when our soul is not in good health.
Lord Jesus, please come and heal us
of any errors and of blindness
that doesn’t allow us to see You with clarity.