The blessing of one Christian is the blessing of all.
I am a minimalist at heart. But you need not concern yourself by hiding stuff if I’m around; these things are not for me to judge.
Our journey to heaven is made through a physical world with physical needs, and needs must be meet. Thus, we must prosper according to the responsibilities we are called to shoulder.
That is why it is vital that we talk to the Lord and I pray with the apostle John “that you may prosper” (3 John 2). We notice that John didn’t leave that prayer without a qualifier. He added: “even as your soul prospers.”
John’s desire for Gaius’ prosperity was to bring about even greater spiritual things. Gaius was a godly man who was using his physical blessings to bring glory to God and growth to His church. This family man was providing income and shelter for his dependents, he was opening his home to the church and visiting preachers, and we can be sure that he was looking to the needs of the orphan and widow.
An able-bodied Christian is never to be a burden upon the backs of others. God prospers a Christian with work and wages to buy food and the other necessaries of life. Paul warns: “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2Thess.3:10). One of the things I stress in my preaching is the interconnectedness of everybody in the church. Everywhere around the world the blessings and struggles of one Christian, sooner or later, affects us all.
When Christians prosper—as their souls prosper—money, time and talents are poured forth to win the lost and to care for the needy.
In all this, we rejoice!
John Staiger
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