The Path to Success
There are many definitions for success in today’s culture. For some, success is defined by the number of accomplishments we’ve made, or the number of possessions we’ve attained.
Jesus’ definition of success is counter-cultural. It has nothing to do with our accomplishments or our possessions—it has everything to do with our character.
Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16:10 is primarily about the content of our character. He says that those who are trusted with small things will be entrusted to larger things. Those who are faithful with what they’ve been given will be given the opportunity to be faithful over more. And those who are dishonest, unfaithful, and untrustworthy, will do the same with what they’re given.
It’s not ultimately important to Jesus whether we are financially successful in life. What’s more important is what we do with what we’ve already been given.
Little acts of faithfulness every day is how our character is shaped over time. The small decisions and the hard decisions are what create us into people of trust and honesty.
If you’re asking God for more in life, make sure that you’re being faithful with the things He has already given you. Use the resources and opportunities you have to build trust and honesty with other people.
God is looking to use people of character. Pray for God to increase your character and to give you the opportunities to become a person who is faithful and honest in every area of life.
Rejoice in Every Season
It’s difficult to be joyful in every season—but especially within seasons of change, difficulty, or loss. Paul, the author of the letter to the Philippians, could probably relate. While writing his letter to the Philippians, Paul was sitting in a jail cell under Roman guard (Acts 28).
Even though Paul was in a difficult situation in life, he still wrote to the church in Philippi and encouraged them to always rejoice. He also said that they should pray to God rather than worrying or being anxious about situations (4:6). They should request what they need from God with thanksgiving.
Paul’s teaching is this: regardless of our circumstances, there is always a reason to praise God.
If we learn to rejoice in every season, and submit to God in prayer rather than becoming anxious, then God’s peace will be with us in our heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
God has given us everything we could hope for. As we believe in Jesus, we receive the forgiveness of our past ...