Monday, May 6, 2013

What Does The Bible Teach About Success Matthew 18:1-4.

We want to be successful in life, in career, in love, and in a way that gives peace of heart. There are many teachings on the subject in the world. What did Jesus say about it?

"At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 'I tell you the truth unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"Matthew 18:1-4.NIV

THE DISCIPLES
The disciples were thinking that some earthly kingdom was about to come, and they would have a position of authority in it. So, they asked who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Their ambition was to live in a palace, have power, servants, and wealth.

These disciples were a worldly bunch; workers, a traitor, a tax-collector, opinionated zealots, sunburnt fisherman, the ones called Sons of Thunder, and Peter called "Rock." Jesus brings a barefoot, thumb sucking, dirty-faced, runny-nosed kid; and says, "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

CHILDREN:

     * Are disadvantaged in society.
     * Are defenseless.
     * Are dependent on others for food and clothing.
     * Are fearful.
     * Are unlearned in the ways of society.
     * Can contribute little to the economy.
     * Do not speak back and give advice.
     * Cannot get justice on their own.
     * Cannot earn a living.
     * Are needy for shelter.
     * Do not have a voice in the affairs that affect them.

BECOME LIKE ONE OF THESE?!
YES, because they are aware that they are dependent. Dependent on the "Grown Ups," forced to trust them for all things. So, like children we need to be dependent upon God and recognize that we need to trust His mercy, provision, care, and love. We forget how dependent we are, but we need to trust God like kids trust those adults around them.

This verse teaches we need to personally "change" or to use the old word we need to "Repent" and not seek greatness, status, or to be well thought of. The disciples wanted to be greatest, but the ways of God's Kingdom are different than our earthly world; we value pride and self-esteem, but God rewards humility and those who esteem him.

DECIDE
Children do not choose to be humble they just are, but we must choose. We must change and decide to be like a child, and to trust God. We must come to God with empty hands and depend on Him and let Him be all things.

To learn more about coming to God follow this link: Click Here.

(c)Adron Dozat