Success...

Success

As I sit in my favorite spot (my husband would say), doing laundry, vegetable beef soup cooking, sleet falling, and writing, the TV is on in the background. The funeral of former President Jimmy Carter comes on. Today has been declared a "Day of Mourning". Why? I know this is respect, but as someone on the TV reminded everyone, in his belief, this is a day of celebration. Although we are sad, we understand that the loved one has gone to be with the Lord and is rejoicing—celebrating their life and accomplishments is the purpose of the service. Now, I don't care what political affiliation you have. That isn't relevant. Death and life are not political, they are human.

As always, I pray that the daily blog will be God-led. I pray, the topic and verses will be given by God to touch someone, anyone who might read these words from an ordinary person. As I listened to the grandson speak of his grandfather leading his Sunday School lessons and his faith in God, I was reminded that our accomplishments are not in monetary value or political, social, or economic accomplishments. Our accomplishments on Earth should be about doing God's work and being the hands of God. There is a song that I love. (Yes, I know I really love all music.) The song is Only Jesus by Casting Crowns. The lyrics are "I don't want to leave a legacy. I don't care if they remember me. Only Jesus...I've only got one life to live. I'll let every second point to Him. Only Jesus."

Romans 14:8 says, "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's." There is no greater testament to a person's accomplishments than to live for the Lord. So many people think that the only thing that dictates our accomplishments and success is the amount of money we have or are perceived to have. Yes, successful people are judged by accomplishments, and most of the time that accomplishment is seen in society as being rooted in monetary success. Matthew 16:26-27 says it all. "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done" So, I have one question to think about as you go on with your day. What is the root of your success?