Above all things... - 3 John 1:2

          "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in
           health, just as your soul prospers."

  I like this scripture, always have. Two important words are used here - prosper and health. There is a third word that too often gets missed - 'just'. But what prompted John to write this? What message was the Father imparting to us? Obviously there are many messages but what struck me was that this was a greeting. John was greeting us with a  prayer that we prosper and be in health!

  Many Christians who are standing on scriptures related to health and healing use this scripture as a focal point. When you look at the word 'health' in this context, the definition is far more expansive than only physical health. Health in this context, especially in light of 1st and 2nd John, is talking about soundness - soundness of faith. This means that there is also a spiritual component to health. I suspect most of us don't realize this as we focus on the natural issue of health. But before we go to the extreme, it also does mean physical health and healing.

  One scholar (Spirit Filled Life Bible) suggests that 'prosper', "...should not be the end in itself. It ought to be the result of a quality of life... It is intended for every area of our lives..." Again this moves the word into a more lifestyle context rather than merely financial. So often we limit what a word means in and for our lives. We tend to apply the natural world's definition (which often is singular) to the spiritual. However, even if we only use the natural world, this verse is a great encouragement.

  The third word, just, often is missed. In spiritual terms, 'just' is a link between two areas that on the face of it aren't or can't be linked. Prosper in all things... when we consider that phrase for a moment we see the link of 'just' to, as your soul prospers. For John this is 'demonstrated' in verses 3 and 4 when he says to those who received his letter, that this is a testimony of their actions:
          "I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth
           that is in you, just as you walk in the truth."
There's that word again. 'Just' is not an insignificant consideration. We need to be more cognizant of what is being said when 'just' is used.

  "Above all things..." If nothing else, this should stamp the ensuing words with a level of importance. Granted it is a greeting but it conveys far more than a 'Hi there'. It is a statement of belief that the reader WILL prosper and be in health... above all things.