Is Your Soul Prospering? By: Gary Colley

The beloved John wrote: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 Jn. 2). His prayer should be our prayer for the souls of our fellowmen!

Our Savior asked a question almost 2,000 years ago that still rings in the ears of every sober thinking individual: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mk. 8:36). The Bible makes it clear that we should consider our soul of greater worth than our family, occupation, education, wealth, or pleasure! Further, it is to be understood that it is a bad exchange if any of these things pertaining to this world are chosen above the safety of our soul (Mk. 8:37). Since our goal is given to us by our Maker (Gen. 2:7; Heb. 12:9), for meaningful purposes both now and eternally, all should wisely nourish, cherish, and protect from evil this immortal and eternal nature!

But if we give all of our time, energy, allegiance and money to the things of this world and leave God out, we shall be the greatest of failures. If we do not think about our relationship with God enough to care for our soul, we will suffer eternal and irreparable loss! (Rom. 6:23; Lk. 16;19-31). When all of the things of this world have passed away, as surely they must (2 Pet. 3:10), there will still be God and our soul! When we stand before the Judgment bar we shall stand there naked and alone if the world has been our only goal (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

We should be reminded that in that Day there is but One who can insure the salvation of our soul, the perfect Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29). He is now able, ready, and willing to save all who will hear and learn from the Father about Him and obey His will (Jn. 6:44-45; Heb. 5:8-9). Since His sacrifice on Calvary for the sins of the world and His ascension back to Heaven to reign at the right hand of God, all have the means by which they can be acceptable in the sight of God (Acts 10:34-35).

But it is the responsibility of every individual to accept the cleansing (Acts 2:38) and remain attentive to the needs of the soul (Rev. 2:10).

With the help given in the Gospel (Rom. 1:16), where we are commanded to hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized, it is our solemn duty to fit our soul for the high destiny prepared for us in Heaven (Jn. 14:1-6). Though there may be many losses suffered of good health, there are none to be compared with the loss of the soul! Hence with an unknown author we ask again,

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT YOUR SOUL?

Have you ever stopped to wonder

What this life is all about—

Why you’re here and where you’re going

When your lease on time runs out?

Maybe you’ve been far too busy,

Trying hard to reach your goal,

Would you let me ask you kindly,

Have you thought about your soul?

You may reach the highest portals,

And your dreams may all come true:

Wealth and fame may be your portion,

And success may shine on you.

All your friends may sing your praises,

Not a care on you may roll.

What about the great tomorrow?

Have you thought about your soul?

Don’t forget your days are numbered,

Though you may be riding high;

But like all of us poor mortals,

Someday you’ll just up and die.

Your success and fame and glory.

Won’t be worth the bell they toll.

Let me ask you just one question:

Have you thought about your soul?

If you’ve never thought it over,

Spend a little time today.

There is nothing more important

That will ever come your way.

Than the joy of sins forgiven,

And to know you’ve been made whole

In the name of Christ our Savior,

Have you thought about your soul?

Our brother Paul writes, “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)” (2 Cor. 6:1-2).

Is your soul prospering?