Is it ok for Christians to prosper?

Whilst preparing this offering exhortation, I was excited to learn that it is indeed God's will for us to prosper.

What is prosperity? What is the difference between prosperity and materialism?

Prosperity - when we can control our wealth in that we know when to receive wealth and release wealth to others.

Materialism - when money controls us and we seem to never have enough.

I learn the following 4 principles about prosperity in one short verse in 3 John 1:2:

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

"Prosper" - "euodoo" in Greek means to grant a successful journey or to lead by direct and easy way. It also means to grant a successful issue.

I realize that I can pray for my office work to prosper so that I can resolve problems in a direct and easy way. Writing that report or looking for answers to difficult questions posed by my bosses will not be a problem if God were to prosper me in my work.

Principle 1 - God wants me to prosper. 

Receive this new understanding of the word of God!

101 verses in the Bible cannot be wrong!

Principle 2 - It is ok to pray for others to prosper especially our loved ones.

This morning during the watches, I prayed for the India missions team to prosper. Received update shortly after that the car which broke down, got working again and went for another 130 km! I also prayed for all the Christmas events to prosper!

Principle 3 - Prosperity is not all about money. 

Prosperity is HOLISTIC. It encompasses everything in life. 

In the NKJV, it is "prosper in all things".

In the NIV, it is "...and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well"

In the NASB, it is "Beloved, I pray that in ALL RESPECTS you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers"

Principle 4 - Prosperity in all our undertakings/endeavors/ventures is anchored in the prosperity of the soul.

Prosperity in our soul is the foundation of prosperity in all areas of our life.