"Success"
Ref: Joshua 1:7-9
(find it at www.biblegateway.com)
This reading emphasized how we measure success. Our measure is usually based on the things we believe we need to do, or be, to be successful, however Anderson makes an excellent point.
"Often we climb the ladder of success, only to find it was leaning on the wrong wall"
The passage from Joshua reminds us that success for the people of Israel was conditional on one thing, "live according to God's ways". It did not require them to be well battle trained, or have excellent intel on the enemy. God promised success when they "in faith, obeyed" (Joshua 1:8)
As I have reflected on the list from yesterday's reading, I have considered that many of my measures of success are about "what I do" or "How I get along" with my family. Many of them were actually about how my kids behave. I have realised (or been reminded) this morning, that I cannot gage my success on others, they are outside of my control. My success can only be measured by the extent to which I am conforming to the Image of Christ - through obedience and the work of the spirit in my life.
Thought for the day : "Will earthly possessions and positions help our soul to "get along" ? (3 John 2)
As I ponder this one, obviously, we know the correct answer (biblically) is no, and yet our society and way of life is completely oriented around getting and having, stuff and positions. I find it interesting that many in the church (sometimes myself included) can take the truths of scripture, and completely turn them the other way round, and somehow say that bad is good, evil is pure, white is black, and the pursuit of money and things is Godly.
The Only pursuit that I want to be involved in is the "Pursuit of Jesus", and being conformed to his image. (Lets see if I feel that way next time I walk past EB Games or Harvey Norman ? )
Challenge me.
Jesus says "Store up your treasure in Heaven where neither Moth nor Rust destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matt 6:20
As Queensland faces its most "Property Destroying" event of all time, I think many of us are facing that reality in a way we never have before.
Pastor J
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