We all know successful people. And we all know, at least in our heads, that success doesn’t bring contentment, fulfillment or joy. Though we know it, it isn’t often we hear a wildly successful person admit it out loud. Watch this interview with Tom Brady of the New England Patriots…a man who certainly "has it all"!
Here’s a shocker: God didn’t save us for success!
In fact, He knows that too often success draws us away from Him. Consider Jesus’ description of the effect of success on a person’s interaction with God’s Word as described in the parable of the farmer who sowed seeds. He described some of the seeds as falling among thorns, which ended up killing the seeds. He went on to explain:
The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear [the Word of God], but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. Luke 8:14
No, God saved us for significance. He saved us to know Him better and to become more like Him:
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
He saved us to "reflect His glory" as we are "transformed into His likeness". The good news? He offers significance to all of us if we ask for it with all our heart, work for it with all our might, and surrender ourselves to be changed by Him.
I wonder, who has been significant in your life? How were they significant? Have you ever told them how significant they were or are to you?
2 comments
Tom Houser says:
December 23, 2008 at 9:28 pm (UTC -4 )
But more importantly, he lost to the World Champion NY Giants!!!
Dan Yarnell says:
December 23, 2008 at 6:33 pm (UTC -4 )
Love the Tom Brady reference. Especially since he is a Wolverine and all.