DCLM Daily Manna 12 September 2025 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The All-Round Prosperous Christian
TOPIC: The All-Round Prosperous Christian (DCLM Daily Manna 12 September 2025)
KEY VERSE: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2).
TEXT: 3 John 1:1-4 (KJV)
1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
MESSAGE:
William Arthur Ward, an American motivational writer, was on point when he remarked that “Each of us will one day be judged by our standard of life, not by our standard of living; by our measure of giving, not by our measure of wealth; by our simple goodness, not by our seeming greatness.” Ward’s observation needed to be drilled down into many people today who are crazy in their pursuit of material prosperity, wealth, and fame.
One of the most cited verses of the Scripture relied on by proponents of the prosperity gospel is our key verse, today: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” This was an expressed prayer by Apostle John addressed to one Gaius whom the apostle described as “the well-beloved” on account of his outstanding Christian commitment. The Apostle’s statement suggests that Gaius was doing very well in the faith, growing in the knowledge of the truth and abounding in virtues. It was the wish of the Apostle, therefore, that Gaius would also in all respects, be prosperous as much as he was spiritually. This would include having success in family life, business or career, and all other legitimate secular engagements. The Apostle also desired that Gaius would flourish in health just as he had fared spiritually.
In all these, we see what a balanced Christian aspiration is. Nothing here suggests that material prosperity is God’s priority for Christians. Unfortunately, there is a growing belief among some Christians that over emphasises material wealth. They teach that sheer faith, church donations, seed sowing, and positive confession are the means of getting rich. Many of these teachers do so to deceive, fleece, and milk their unsuspecting hearers. And yet, this does not imply conversely, that to be a good Christian, one has to sign up for poverty. God delights in the prosperity of His saints. He blesses the works of our hand. He abhors laziness, lack of planning, and the get-rich-quick mindset.
There is nothing wrong in aspiring to prosper legitimately in wealth or health, but it should never be to the exclusion or at the expense of your spiritual well-being. Always aim at glorifying God. Neither a beggarly life nor a materially prosperous but spiritually lukewarm life glorifies God. Let your prosperity be as your soul prospers.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Your riches are meaningless if you are not rich towards God.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 119:57-176
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
