The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching
says that if we follow God, we will prosper materially. God may, in
fact, bless His people materially, but few can make this claim among
third-world countries. Wealth must never be the goal of a person's life,
only a by-product.
A missionary to a Middle-Eastern country has shared a motto among their
ministry team: "God does not require success, but radical, immediate
obedience." Jesus' obedience gained Him the cross. It did not gain Him
popularity among the heathen, the religious or financial success, or a
life of pleasure. His obedience resulted in His death on the cross. This
is the same goal Christ has for each of us--death of our old nature so
that He might live through us. That may not sell well among
outcome-based Christian workplace believers, but it will result in an
eternal reward that far exceeds any earthly reward. "Behold, I am coming
soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to
what he has done" (Rev. 22:12).
The Christian life is a paradox--the first will be last, death in return
for life, and we are encouraged to offer praise to God to overcome a
spirit of heaviness. It requires faith in a God who operates from a
different set of values that are sometimes difficult to measure from
human standards. Let death work in you a life that only God can raise
up.
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