Theme: THE SECRET OF TRUE PROSPERITY
There is no normal person who would not want to be successful or prosperous in every sphere of life. Apart from being strong in body and mind, each person wants to be successful in his domestic relations, in his trade, profession or any other activity.
It is reassuring that God Almighty has these ends in view for His people, if only they would be diligent in obeying His voice, God speaking through Jeremiah the prophet stated: “But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you”. – Jeremiah 7:23.
The word “Secret” means “known to very few people and consequently quiet and secluded”. “Prosperity” is the condition of enjoying wealth, success or good fortune. Prosperity in this context means growth in spiritual qualities that enables one to be in good standing with God and men. The adjective true which qualifies prosperity shows that while some types of prosperity are genuine, others are fake or artificial. We should strive for the prosperity that is lasting and not the one that is transient or temporary.
Text “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” – 3 John 2.
Comment: Prosperity does not exist without health. Health they say is wealth. It is God who gives health and sustains life; therefore all should put their trust and confidence in the Almighty who heals all our diseases. It was the sweet Psalmist who declared “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:2-5.
True prosperity is from God our Father in heaven. When He blesses one, sorrow does not go with it. (Proverb 10:22) Let our hearts and hands be clean and free from spots, as we do honest business, labouring or toiling with our God-given talents. Saint Paul admonished “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” – Psalm 1:1-3.