Myth, 46

~ Success Will Bring God’s Approval ~

Man’s View  ~  Accomplishments and appearance (such as “Dress for Success”) are clear indicators of success.  Today we have some tongue-in-cheek expressions that help us bring back to reality such as “He who dies with the most toys wins!”  However in times of sober thinking we all know there are no U-Hauls in heaven.

God’s View  ~  God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance.  “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.  For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Reality  ~  It is spiritual growth that brings God’s approval.  “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia.  But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12).

Biblical Example  ~  The Book of Job tells the account of a Godly man who suffered terribly as others looked on. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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