The Best New Year Yet: A Biblical Guide to True Prosperity
The Best New Year Yet: A Biblical Guide to True Prosperity
The prosperity of our soul must be the priority.
As we begin the second week of a new year, John’s timeless prayer for early Christians resonates profoundly: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2 NKJV). The universal desire for prosperity and good health is palpable in every culture, prompting reflection on what true prosperity entails and how it can be achieved.
What Does it Mean to Prosper?
To truly understand prosperity, we delve into the essence of the Greek word translated as “prosper,” which means to “be led along a good road.” John’s prayer encompasses not just material success but a true well-being—a desire shared by people worldwide as they embark on a new year.
Diverse cultures employ various traditions to ensure prosperity in the coming year, ranging from specific foods like black-eyed peas and collard greens to unique customs. However, moved by the Holy Spirit, John directs us to the source of true success, unraveling the profound truth of genuine prosperity.
The Key to True Prosperity
John’s prayer unveils the key to genuine prosperity: “May you prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” It’s a reminder that, for a prosperous 2024 or any year, the prosperity of our soul must be the priority. When our soul prospers, every aspect of our lives follows suit.
The soul, often defined as the seat and center of life transcending the earthly, is a part of us given by God—immaterial and deeply connected to our true essence. To achieve prosperity and good health, our soul must prosper.
Three Fundamental Aspects for Soul Prosperity
Relationships: Closer to God and Good Influences; Further From Bad Influences
Remove enmity with God through Christ (Col. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:6).
Be known by God by loving and obeying Him (1 Cor. 8:3; James 2:22-23).
Surround yourself with positive influences (Prov. 13:20; 27:17).
Distance yourself from negative influences (1 Cor. 15:33).
Attitudes: A State of Mind for Soul Prosperity
Cultivate a mindset of love (1 Cor. 16:14).
Embrace humility for true success (Prov. 22:4).
Practice contentment (Heb. 13:5)
Have an outlook of thankfulness (1 Thess. 5:18).
Habits: Actions Forming Virtues
Gather with Christians for encouragement (Heb. 10:24-25).
Meditate Scripturally (Phil. 4:8).
Prioritize regular Scripture reading (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Devote time to prayer (1 Thess. 5:17; Acts 2:42).
Embrace repentance and confession (Ps. 32:3-5; Prov. 28:13; Jas. 5:16).
Engage in service and good works (Titus 3:14).
As we step into 2024, let’s prioritize the prosperity of our soul. Begin with the right relationship with God, recognizing that an unhealthy relationship with Him impedes a healthy soul. Let’s make 2024 our best year yet by nurturing our soul through our relationships, attitudes, and habits.
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