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TOTAL LIFE PROSPERITY

When most people hear the word "prosperity”, they immediately think of money. That's not incorrect, but it is incomplete. Prosperity does not just concern money. It also deals with your spirit, soul, body, marriage, family and finances. God is concerned about you prospering in every arena in life.

True prosperity has a very broad definition, covering every area of life. It is defined as the ability to meet the needs of mankind in any realm of life. It is making progress in obtaining whatever you desire. Again, prosperity is not just money. In fact, true prosperity always extends beyond you and your needs. It is an attitude of empowerment within you, not just an outward display of material possessions.

Third John verse two states, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth". In this verse, the Greek word for prosper is euodoo. This word was originally used as a parting utterance similar to goodbye, Godspeed, bon voyage and farewell. Eu means "good or well", as in eulogy or euphoria. Hodos means "a roadway, trip, or travel", as in odometer or odograph (a device that measures distance). Therefore, when the word euodoo was spoken, it meant "to be on the right road; to grant an expeditious or unhindered journey; to successfully reach the destination safe and sound; to be led along a good road; or being on a road that is easy to travel." The word "euodoo" appears only four times in the New Testament (Romans 1:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2; and twice in 3 John 2).

Romans 1:10 says, "Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you". In this scripture, the word "prosperous" is used in line with its original meaning to describe a successful trip. In time, however, the meaning of the word "euodoo" evolved from a travel metaphor into a word for material or financial prosperity. Its usage began to denote a profitable and successful work ethic. First Corinthians 16:2 says, "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come". Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to give as the Lord has given to them. The word "prospered" in this verse is referring to material or financial increase. The next time the word "euodoo" appears, we see it fully referring to prosperity as we know it today (3 John 2).

You may have heard someone say, "We don't have lots of money, but thank God we've all been healthy". Others may say, "We've had a lot of sickness in the family, but we praise the Lord that all of our bills are paid and we've got money in the bank". According to 3 John 2, God desires for you prosper spiritually, physically and financially. Therefore, this is not an either-or verse. It's not receiving one out of three, or two out of three; it's receiving three out of three! In the context of this scripture, euodoo means "having the Lord bless every area of your life". It is continuous well-being in every area of life.

Prosperity is the ability to be in control of your circumstances and situations without any limitations established by the world's system. It means regaining your choice to live as you choose and impacting the lives of those around you. In other words, it means to be blessed to be a blessing. Instead of being controlled by the debt of a house, car, or other things, prosperity places you in control of your situations in life. Jesus demonstrated this control when He was on the boat during a storm. He stood up and said, "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39). He controlled His situation.

Prosperity cannot be measured by the amount of material possessions a person has accumulated because most materials are obtained through debt. Consequently, a person may appear to be prosperous, but acquiring debt is not prosperity at all. A man or woman who has entered into true prosperity has regained the right to choose. They can afford to live in a big house or an average house. They can afford to drive a Ford or Rolls Royce. They have a choice. People who have large debts may not always be able to afford to choose how they live because their choices may be limited and controlled by debt and shortage.

In Psalm 35:27, the Bible declares that God has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. If God takes pleasure in our prosperity, then it's time for all of us to realize that prosperity is pleasing to the Father. As you reflect through this message, understand that you have a right to prosper. Make a quality decision to prosper in every arena of life!