BBD 11.08.05 Models of Success
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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The Burning Bush Devotional
11.08.05
Models of Success
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I
am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.
Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be
hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:11-13.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into
this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and
clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich
fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts
which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a
root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in
their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - 1
Timothy 6:6-10.
This week's Time Magazine cover story is about climbing the ladder of
success or staircase of success because it looks like a staircase of
buildings on the cover. Some people have a driving ambition to succeed and
they choose this secular model of success. The secular model of success
would include CEOs of the largest companies as being the pinnacle of
success. Everyone from the lowest employee up is somewhere on the staircase
and they are all climbing. Some are taking one-step at a time and others are
taking two or three at a time. Some have the drive and ambition to make it
all the way to the top. Others fall out of the race to the top for various
reasons including health problems, marriage problems, dysfunctional family
problems, substance abuse problems, and many other problems.
There is, however, another model of success. That model of success is the
model of contentment. Those who take this alternative road to success have
opted out of the staircase climbing. They have decided to be content with
life. They may still reach the pinnacle of what the world would call
success, however, if they do it will not be because they have crawled over
someone else's back on their way, or because they have sacrificed their
family, or their health on their way to the top (Such as: Joseph, Daniel,
Gideon, David, and etc.).
Why are we as Christians not more content with our lives? There are three
very good reasons: The world, the flesh, and the devil. This flesh craves
for all the world has to offer and the devil delights in tempting us with
what the world has available. We are bombarded in the media on a continual
basis with all the various products and new improved products that are
available if you just have the money to buy them. There will always another
vehicle that is better and flasher than the one you have. There will always
be another house that is bigger and grander than the one you have. There
will always be another job that is more important and powerful than the one
you have. There will always be someone who has more money and possessions
than you do. There will always be someone who has more education and
experience and receives more recognition than you do.
What does the Bible tell us to do about it? The apostle Paul advises Timothy
and us to, ".flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:11)." Those are still good words of advice. Opt
out of the world's model of success and take advantage of God's model
instead. Because God will provide you with all that you need to be a success
in His eyes.
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