I grew up in church hearing and believing a version of the Prosperity Gospel that taught if a person followed the right steps, had enough faith, and obeyed certain principles, God would reward them with wealth, success, a beautiful home, nice cars, and a comfortable life. While there is no doubt that God blesses His people in many ways, I have come to realize through studying Scripture more deeply and learning from missionaries around the world that biblical prosperity is often very different from what our culture imagines.

Does God want us to prosper? I believe the answer is yes. For many years, I assumed prosperity referred primarily to financial blessing. However, through the teaching of a trusted believer and my own study of Scripture, I began to see that God is far more concerned with the prosperity of our souls than the size of our bank accounts.

The first time I heard this passage explained in its broader context, I was challenged to reconsider what biblical prosperity truly means. Rather than focusing primarily on financial gain, the emphasis was placed on the condition of the soul. That perspective led me to study the passage more carefully and ultimately changed the way I understand prosperity in Scripture.

In 3 John 1:2, John writes, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." Notice that the condition of the soul is central. Scripture consistently emphasizes spiritual growth, wisdom, character, peace, and a deep relationship with Christ. These are treasures that cannot be measured by income, possessions, or social status.

I learned this lesson personally. Years ago, I worked at the courthouse and earned a steady income. By many standards, I was doing what I thought I was supposed to do. I had a full-time job, financial stability, and the outward appearance of success. Yet beneath the surface, I was miserable. My relationship with God was not where it needed to be, and much of my identity had become tied to achievement, security, and the approval of others.

Looking back, I can see that I was trying to serve two masters. Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters." I wanted the comfort and security that money could provide while also wanting to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Over time, God began to show me that true fulfillment could not be found in a paycheck, a position, or the appearance of success. Those things may have value, but they were never meant to replace Him. What my soul needed most was not a bigger paycheck but a deeper relationship with Christ.

Even research points in a similar direction. According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human well-being, close relationships are stronger predictors of happiness and life satisfaction than money or fame. While financial stability is important, lasting fulfillment is often found in meaningful relationships, purpose, and connection. This aligns with the biblical understanding that true prosperity involves far more than material possessions.

Many faithful believers throughout history were never wealthy. The apostles faced persecution, imprisonment, rejection, and hardship. Missionaries throughout the world have often sacrificed comfort, security, and material gain to share the Gospel. Even Jesus Himself did not live a life of earthly riches. Yet their lives were rich in purpose, faith, and eternal significance.

In fact, the early church did not teach that following Christ would lead to an easy or prosperous life. In Acts 14:22, Paul encouraged believers by saying, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." This message stands in stark contrast to the idea that faith guarantees comfort, wealth, or success. Scripture prepares believers for trials while also assuring them that God will be with them through every difficulty.

God never promises that every believer will become wealthy, famous, or influential. He does not guarantee a large platform, a successful business, or a life free from suffering. What He does promise is His presence. He promises His peace. He promises His provision for our needs. Most importantly, He promises himself.

The greatest evidence of God's love was not financial prosperity but the gift of His Son. Scripture tells us that God freely gave Jesus for our salvation. Through Christ, we receive forgiveness, redemption, eternal life, and a relationship with the Father. No earthly blessing can compare to that gift.

In a culture that often measures success by wealth, achievements, and appearances, it is easy to miss the prosperity that matters most. True prosperity is found in a soul that is growing closer to Christ, a heart that trusts God through every season, and a life that reflects His love to others. Those treasures will last long after money, possessions, and worldly success have faded away.

Perhaps the prosperity we often miss is not found in what we possess, but in who we are becoming in Christ.

References

The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Acts 14:22. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."

Matthew 6:24. "No one can serve two masters."

3 John 1:2. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

Additional missionary examples and historical observations are based on the author's personal study of Christian missions and church history.

Harvard Gazette. (2017). Over nearly 80 years, Harvard study has been showing how to live a healthy and happy life. Harvard University.

Waldinger, R., & Schulz, M. (2023). The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. Simon & Schuster.