(3 John 1:2 NASB) - Prosperity for the Soul

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

It has always amazed me that man has put value in a variety of things throughout the ages. Today, however, because some of these things are plentiful and are easily available, their intrinsic value is negligible.

Salt, for instance, was highly valued. There was a culture I remember reading about that would carve huge wheels of salt to be used to barter for goods and services.

Back in the time of the Lord there were spices and perfumes that were so rare they had a great deal of value to someone who possessed them.

Some minerals are still perceived as having value because they are in such sort supply today. Gold, diamonds, platinum, and other rare minerals are highly priced and valuable today. It is, indeed, strange when I really think about it.....what man sees value in and what he doesn't.

John's scripture above caused me to think of value in a much different way............the things of value that make my soul prosper.

I've seen throughout my life people who I think possess a value that can't be measured by the world's standards of assessing value. These people love the Lord with all they have.............they are unassuming..............they are other centered...........they speak with their actions toward others more than with words.

These people have a value beyond the greatest riches of this world. They have stored up their riches in heaven and have forgone the riches of this world for the most part. And I admire them for the diligence and focus they have for serving my Lord with all their hearts.

There is one thing that I aspire to attain in this life.............that has value that can't be priced.......and that is that I love the Lord with *all* I have to give..............and serve Him in whatever way He wishes. That's the value John is speaking of above, I think.

Love in Jesus,

Jim

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"But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired." (1 Corinthians 12:18 NASB)

"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission."

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This devotional was originally posted on CCI-Devo - Daily Group Devotionals on September 19, 2004 in post #651. It was written by Jim Ross, a former United Pentecostal Church member, who attends Christian Challenge International, the sponsor of the devotional group. The devotional is the copyright of Jim Ross and is reprinted on this site by permission.

Page added July 30, 2005

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