THE APOSTLE JOHN’S “GET WELL CARD”

In one of the smallest books of the New Testament we find an unusual wish — “I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” III John 2. The Apostle John desired that Gaius might enjoy as good physical health as he had spiritual health. The health of Gaius was not the best and John sends him as unusual “Get Well” card.

It is a wonderful thing if we enjoy physical health, it is something we should be profoundly thankful for. It is good if we have material prosperity, but we need to remind ourselves that “a man’s life con-sisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15). We ought to examine ourselves regarding our spiritual health. Many today spend much time in securing material success but give scant thought to the needs of the soul, that part of us which will live on throughout eternity.

There are three things (at least) which make for prosperity of soul:

1. Spiritual appetite.

Loss of appetite is often the first sign of some physical disorder. This is also true spiritually. The prosperous soul is always a hungry soul; it desires to read more, and learn more of Christ. The healthy soul can endorse the words of Job “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). The Lord Jesus Christ said “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4) Have we a keen spiritual appetite?

2. Spiritual activity.

Activity is a token of bodily health and again this is true in the spiritual realm. Gaius was active spiritually — see verses 3 and 4. He was a good example to other believers and noted for his hospitality to itinerant missionaries. This was something of great importance in the early church for without it missionary work could not have been carried out. Gaius was known for his love for the Lord and His people. Are we busy about the Master’s work? 3. Spiritual growth.

A mother is not content that her baby should always be an infant — she looks for development and growth. Yet how many Christians remain “babes in Christ” (1 Cor. 3:1) — they remain spiritually as they were at the beginning. Paul could say of the Christians at Thessalonica that their faith grew exceedingly. Peter’s last word was this “but grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

May we by grace prosper spiritually.

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