There’s an episode in the earthly ministry of Jesus where a rich young man approaches him to find out what he needs to do to get eternal life. The episode is covered in three of the four gospels, you can read it by clicking here for the Luke 18:18-30 account.
The aftermath of that encounter leaves the crowd and even Jesus’ disciples stunned.
It leaves them stunned because of their measure of success.
I wonder if we have learnt from that episode? I wonder if again our idea of success and what’s necessary to gain what’s most important in life is inaccurately defined?
Is our way of viewing success still governed by how much a person has? Is that idea of success measured by numerical achievements in people, money and resources? Is that notion seen in how wide our appeal reaches and how many cultures we cross?
Or does that idea of success come down to obeying what God has called us to do – to love Him above everything and everyone else and love our neighbours as ourselves?
It’s one thing to offer lip service to something, but often subsequent thoughts, words and actions reveals the true intentions of our hearts. This is why it is good to ask God time and again to purify our hearts so we can view things His way and again see that maybe from our perspective things can seem, but as His Son best put it …
“What is impossible for people is possible with God.”
(Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 