The elder apostle John wrote to his dear friend, Gaius, saying, Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul (3 John 2). The word translated “go well with” is translated two other ways in the New Testament – to prosper, and to succeed.
The same meaning was intended when Naomi communicated her desire for Ruth to have a place to settle down and call home, that it may be well with you (Ruth 3:1). Her desire was for her daughter-in-law to have her own place to call home – to establish a family and focus on the social, economic, and spiritual welfare of her household.
The same word that Naomi used for “be well with” is translated “merry” regarding Boaz. After a day’s work he ate and drank, and his heart was merry (Ruth 3:7). The man experienced a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from the produce of the land by the fruit of his labor. The Hebrew word that is translated both “well” and “merry” possesses the nuances of success, gladness, and satisfaction.
Both our homes and our industry are weighty to God because He designed and ordained them for us. Our homes are the places of belonging in a family, which are the building blocks of society. Our industry is the exercise of talent, strength, and gifts that God has entrusted to us for the flourishing of humanity.
It may be beneficial for us to re-think the meaning of success about our homes and our industry. Are our homes fruitful in providing havens for the formation of godly, helpful people? Are we successful in our industry by enjoying the fruit of our labor, knowing we have contributed to the flourishing of humanity to the glory of God? He is the One who gives power to generate wealth (Deut. 8:18; Eccl. 2:24; 3:13). Both our homes and our industry are designed to be sources of joy and wellbeing.
We were created to desire and enjoy satisfaction. We must trust Him to provide. His design and His ways are good because He is good. The blessing of the Lord makes rich (Prov. 10:22).
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