Beyond Earthly Success (part I)

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” (Matthew 25:34, New King James Version).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

Almost all of us want to be successful in life and by this we mean, for example, accomplishing a desired aim or result, or achieving fame, wealth or social status. There is nothing wrong with these aims and indeed, the Bible states: “beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3rd John 1:2, New King James Version). Nevertheless, God wants us not only to accomplish our goals but also to achieve a place of eternal significance; in other words, God wants us to progress from being successful to leaving a legacy of likeness to Christ, that outlives us. This legacy will be remembered even after our time on earth is over.

The world often defines people as being successful in terms of their material acquisitions, economic wealth and sometimes their social status. Heaven, on the contrary, applies different measurements and here, what really counts is how effectively our lives have touched people. Worldly goods and possessions carry NO weight in eternal assessment! Christ Jesus revealed this vital truth and reality in His many teachings and said: “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’.” (Matthew 25 verses 34-36, New King James Version (NKJV)). This account indicates clearly what really counts in eternity.

Job, during his trials, was saddened not because of his helpless situation or because of the sudden loss of his material possessions. Instead, he was saddened because help was withheld from him by people, because of his predicament. He sorrowfully noted: “I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger. I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth.” (Job 29 verse 14 to 17, New International Version).

We must all define the essence of our existence and re-orientate ourselves from ‘being served’ to ‘giving service to the needs of others.’ Therefore, we must move on beyond concerns about ourselves or just being successful, towards that higher eternal horizon of being a blessing. We must all let our lives be a blessing to our generation through serving the needy, the community and family, friends and nations. We are all blessed when we are acting as a blessing to others. The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22 verse 9, New International Version).

Let us pray: “Father, may I receive grace not to be caught up in the vanities of life. Instead, may I receive the grace to follow the example of Christ, impacting my generation positively,” in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!