Psalms 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
After searching the scriptures from cover to cover, we have not discovered any evidence that the good news of salvation causes individuals to retrogress in life. On the contrary, real progress in every area of life, as well as character development is to be made for if it were otherwise then there would not be any motivating factors for persons to switch leaders.
Hence the reason why our first passage in John is so important, because it presents both the ideal, and the fine balance that should be found in those who have espoused the person of Christ. Prosperity in every aspect of life, including growth in holiness is a completely Biblical teaching, and not to be feared.
And even though it has been severely distorted by the false prophets of the day, yet we should never allow that which was meant for our good, to be so overrun by evildoers, that it causes us to go to the opposite extreme. The Bible teaches us balance in all things, which includes prosperity of the soul, the physical, and the temporal aspects of our existence.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!