A Worthy Example

The word, 'prosperity' today nearly always refers to material wealth… but in context, we see that it is this dear man's physical health and bodily condition that John is praying will prosper. John's prayer is that Gaius' physical health will reflect his obvious spiritual strength and Christian maturity.
This verse clearly contradicts the distorted teaching of certain 'prosperity teachers' and 'faith-healers' who insist that if sick people do not recover, it is due to a lack of faith, or that if you are materially poor, you are not a spiritual believer because God wants all Christians to be materially wealthy! Such teaching is false and biblically incorrect.
May we seek to be more like the beloved Gaius, who walked in spirit, truth, and love, and was faithful in whatsoever good works he undertook, for the sake of saints and strangers alike. May we behave as he did, no matter what physical problems we may encounter, although this dearly beloved elder had a disability, he was a worthy example of a godly saint who lived a life that was pleasing to the Lord, and for His greater praise and glory.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the exemplary life of Gaius and this precious blessing written to Him. Thank You that You call us beloved and for all the blessings You pour into our lives. We pray that our souls would prosper with the riches of knowing You. We pray that, day by day, we would come to a deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus as He increases in our lives. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.