3 John 2 “I will above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers”
As poor as a church mouse…sadly, this phrase describes someone who is extremely poor. The original phrase was “as hungry as a church mouse” but somehow evolved to include being poor too. Most likely because poverty and a “vow of poverty” is associated with the “church”. Is it? NO! Not the church of Jesus Christ…
As God’s beloved, He says to us, “I will above all things that you may prosper and be in health…” He’s talking specifically about financial and physical prosperity. But here’s the key…” even as your soul prospers”. You prosper in proportion to your knowledge of what the Word has to say about prosperity. Not your grandma, not society, not your religious friends, not your past experiences, not your current circumstances, but what the Bible says about prosperity.
In the Old Testament, the temple treasury overflowed with gold and silver and precious gems, and was the primary target of enemy attack when a city was invaded. What a stark contrast in today’s world, where many churches and church members are struggling to pay their bills. That’s NOT God’s will for His people. “He wills above all things that you may prosper…”
When God’s people start appropriating what the Word says about their finances and health, the world will take notice. No longer will poverty be synonymous with the church. But instead, wealth and generosity and abundance. We are blessed to be a blessing. Jesus became poor that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Yes…As rich as a church mouse!
