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.
Finding Satisfaction for Your Soul
Imagine you’re one of the Israelites traveling through the wilderness with Moses. You’ve been wandering ever since God rescued you from slavery in Egypt. You’re thirsty, but water is nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, Moses raises his staff and strikes a rock—and water begins to flow from it. In that moment, you thank God for providing your greatest need.
Thousands of years later, the Jews in Jerusalem were celebrating God’s provision for them when they wandered in the wilderness. For seven days, they would fill a golden pitcher with water and pour it onto an altar to remember how God provided water for their ancestors. On the eighth day, no water was poured, but they would pray and reflect on God fulfilling His promises for His people. As they were praying in the temple, Jesus stood up and cried out:
Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
John ...