Devotions this week based on the Message: “Counterfeit Gods: The Seduction of Success”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Tim Keller entitled, Counterfeit Gods.
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
Have you ever been at a youth sporting event and convinced that a parent thinks their child is going to be the next Cy Young award winner, or at least the next full ride scholar athlete? Maybe you are that parent! J
As parents, we can feel honored when our child follows in our footsteps. Sometimes we can burden them with a career or direction that maybe wasn’t their choice, but would make them proud if we did it.
Life can be challenging when we are trying to be someone we are not. You may want your child to get a college scholarship, but they just don’t have the skills. You may want your child to follow in your profession, but they just don’t have the interest.
Success can seduce us in to being someone we were not created to be. We can find ourselves pursuing a purpose in life that is defined by someone else.
This is a recipe for lack of peace and seeking constant approval.
God helps us out. Success is when I live God’s purposes, not everyone else’s.
So what is God’s purpose for your life?
First, it’s not necessarily WHAT you do, it’s HOW you do what you do:
1 Cor. 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God. Remember from yesterday, you play ultimately to an audience of one. If God’s given you children, parent to the glory of God. If you are working in a less than ideal job, show up and do it to the best of your ability and glory of God. If you are working hard for a college degree, do it for the glory of God. Success is not necessarily what you do and what you accomplish, but doing it as to the Lord.
Second, it’s realizing you were created to live a life of faith.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Work that is done from a heart of faith is work that is good in God’s eyes. Our purpose is to believe in Jesus and then spend our life loving God and loving the people around us. Begin your day by asking, “I wonder what God has prepared for me to do today?” It may be changing a diaper. It may be signing the biggest deal you have ever done. It may be helping someone in need. It may be serving at your church. It may be sitting with a friend who is mourning.
Sure we each have uniqueness and talents and strengths God has given to us and he wants us to use those to serve him and serve people. Enjoy the journey to discover the alignment of all God created you to be with all God prepared for you to do!
Apply: Simply see all you do today as carrying out God’s purpose: Live to his glory, engage in the good works God has prepared for you!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me your child. Help me to always find success in living for you and your glory. Amen.