Not All That Glitters Is Gold!
Jesus often declined supposedly 'good things' and 'good offers' because they would distract and detract from his calling and purpose. This is what happened after the people tried to make Jesus their king after he fed miraculously fed five thousand of them.
Oftentimes, in appreciation of our skills and talents, people size us up and think they know and understand what we need - an offer that to all intents and opinions, would raise us a notch higher.
While there's nothing wrong with this, Jesus' life teaches that not all promotions are worth it. We can only properly determine the worthiness of the offer by considering it alongside of our known call and initial responsibility...
For example, a lesser paying job might make a parent more available to raise their children, but not enough to consider their family well off. On the other hand, a higher paying job might raise your status and purchasing power, but reduce one's ability and availability for one's family.
At such points, we have to consider "What is my call at this point in time?" What has God given to you as your personal assignment and of which He will require an account? In the overall scheme of things, what will be the 'cost' of accepting that promotion...?
Jesus knew that while he could easily fill the position of earthly 'king,' it would prevent him from dying for the people, which was his call. And so he turned down those very good offers to stick to being a commoner, a friend of sinners, so that people could be brought closer to God.
As he is, so we are in this world. We will continue to be offered many seemingly good things. But just as not all that glitters is gold, so not every good offer is 'good.'
We will only find the strength to rightly choose when our hearts are properly tuned to God's Kingdom priorities. Then, like Jesus, we will find the power to resist pursuing wealth at the cost of our God-ordained assignments and responsibilities.
Prayer: In this Lenten season and beyond, LORD, please teach us to discern and pursue the true riches of your grace at every moment in time, in Jesus name!
Oftentimes, in appreciation of our skills and talents, people size us up and think they know and understand what we need - an offer that to all intents and opinions, would raise us a notch higher.
While there's nothing wrong with this, Jesus' life teaches that not all promotions are worth it. We can only properly determine the worthiness of the offer by considering it alongside of our known call and initial responsibility...
For example, a lesser paying job might make a parent more available to raise their children, but not enough to consider their family well off. On the other hand, a higher paying job might raise your status and purchasing power, but reduce one's ability and availability for one's family.
At such points, we have to consider "What is my call at this point in time?" What has God given to you as your personal assignment and of which He will require an account? In the overall scheme of things, what will be the 'cost' of accepting that promotion...?
Jesus knew that while he could easily fill the position of earthly 'king,' it would prevent him from dying for the people, which was his call. And so he turned down those very good offers to stick to being a commoner, a friend of sinners, so that people could be brought closer to God.
As he is, so we are in this world. We will continue to be offered many seemingly good things. But just as not all that glitters is gold, so not every good offer is 'good.'
We will only find the strength to rightly choose when our hearts are properly tuned to God's Kingdom priorities. Then, like Jesus, we will find the power to resist pursuing wealth at the cost of our God-ordained assignments and responsibilities.
Prayer: In this Lenten season and beyond, LORD, please teach us to discern and pursue the true riches of your grace at every moment in time, in Jesus name!
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