How should you and I measure success? Our culture emphasizes upward mobility and sufficient preparation for the future. We calculate success in terms of status, possessions and power. But when we contemplate ‘success’ in eternal values, how would we explain that term? I’m thinking that the sermon in the Mount is the most counter cultural statement Jesus could make. His kingdom is inverse of what we normally think of an effective Christian lifestyle. Hunger, thirst, mourning, poverty, and a pure mindset without duplicity are anything but successful American ideals. How can we avoid the narcissistic dream of being all self sufficient and independent? How can we demonstrate the compassion and empathy of a beloved child of the King?
“Job needed friends to engage the pain, not interpret the pain. He needed friends who would join the chorus of lament, not offer a recipe for a more faithful life. In the end, Job is commended for his honesty while his theologically correct buddies are scolded for their insensitivity. God does not want us to disguise ourselves, hiding the pain we feel so deeply.” - Chuck DeGroat, Leaving Egypt
“Worldliness is not so much a matter of activity as of attitude. It is possible for a Christian to stay away from questionable amusements and doubtful places and still love the world, for worldliness is a matter of the heart. To the extent that a Christian loves the world system and the things in it, he does not love the Father.”- Excerpt, Be Real (1 John) by Warren W. Wiersbe
“C. H. Dodd says that the “lust of the eyes” refers to “the tendency to be captivated by outward show.” He defines the “pride of life” as “pretentious egoism.”4 In each case the same thing is seen: infatuation with natural human powers and abilities without any dependence upon God. That is the flesh in operation, and the flesh is the deadly enemy of humility.” - Excerpt, Celebration of Discipline, by Richard J. Foster
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