The Unseen Dangers of Achievement
When we reach the pinnacle of success, it’s easy to forget the ones who helped us get there. We become like the kings of old, our legacies tarnished by our own self-importance.
Forgetting the Source of Our Strength
Nadab, Elah, and Omri, once mighty rulers of Israel, are now mere footnotes in history. Their stories serve as cautionary tales of what happens when we forget the source of our power. They, like many of us, allowed success to consume them, leading them down a path of destruction.
The Corrupting Influence of Success
You may not be a king, but you’ve likely experienced success in some form. Perhaps you’ve landed your dream job, received a prestigious award, or achieved a long-held goal. But with success comes a subtle yet insidious threat: forgetting who helped you get there. We begin to believe that our accomplishments are solely the result of our own efforts, neglecting the ones who supported us along the way.
The Forgotten Art of Gratitude
In our early days, we often rely on others – friends, family, mentors – to help us navigate life’s challenges. We pray, we seek guidance, and we lean on those around us. But as we ascend the ladder of success, we tend to forget these humble beginnings. We stop praying, stop seeking guidance, and stop acknowledging the ones who helped us succeed.
A Prescription for Spiritual Amnesia
God offers us a remedy for this spiritual amnesia: remembering the purpose of our success. Why did God bless us with talents, skills, and opportunities? So we can make Him known. Our achievements are not about us; they’re about bringing glory to Him.
Success Redefined
So, why are you good at what you do? Is it for personal gain, recognition, or comfort? Or is it to bring honor to God? When we shift our focus from ourselves to Him, we’ll find that our success takes on a new meaning. It’s no longer about us; it’s about using our gifts to reflect His glory.
A New Perspective on Achievement
Let’s redefine what it means to be successful. Let’s remember that our accomplishments are not ends in themselves, but means to an end – to bring glory to God. When we keep this perspective, we’ll find that our success is not a curse, but a blessing – one that brings us closer to Him and allows us to make a lasting impact on the world around us.
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