“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2).
In Greek the word translated health in this verse is hugiaino (hoog-ee-ah’ee-no) from which we derive our English word hygiene. It is defined as “sound,” “healthy,” and “free from disease or void of the viruses that cause sickness and disability.”
This wish by John was expressed to a man named Gaius who worried himself sick over his problems. John was sending traveling ministers to Gaius’ church. An influential member of that church by the name of Diotrephes did not want these ministers to come so he vigorously opposed the plan, apparently threatening to cut off his financial support if it was carried out. Gaius was thus caught in the middle.
This verse is part of John’s letter written in response to the situation. In it, John is telling Gaius: “Look, you do not need to worry over this situation. Diotrephes does not have all the money in the world. He is causing problems because he loves to have pre-eminence. But, Gauis, God wants you to look to Him as your sole source of supply. I am praying that you will prosper financially, and be in health, even as your soul prospers.”
Hugiaino is used for sound doctrine and sound teaching. Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. You are storing in it massive amounts of the Word of God. That Word is sound and healthy. You can do more for the Lord with a healthy body than with a sick one.
A sound and healthy body is the ideal receptacle for the sound and healthy scriptures, which you have hidden in your heart.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.