Think About It

Does it seem like the wicked are getting ahead? Does it feel like the people with the fewest morals and values are going the farthest? I guess it might appear that way – depending upon where we stretch the finish line. If we measure success by political prowess, economic advancement or financial status; doing whatever it takes to get ahead might seem like the most expedient route. However, what if we measure things by quality of life and leaving this world better than we found it? When our goals are higher, there is a better way to live. Centuries ago, when the wise man, Solomon, was teaching his up-and-comers about living the good life he told them, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4). When the king established the true gold standard for life, he laid the foundation with wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Interestingly, when we first read this we mi

Throughout the years Americans have lauded self-sufficiency and self-reliance. The ability to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps has been something we can be proud of. While the need to be able to cope and have the ability to advance ourselves can pay dividends, we must be careful that we don’t become too self-self-assured. (Yes, you can read pride and ego into that last statement.) When we get too full of ourselves we set ourselves up for a fall and also limit just how far we might be able to advance. Each one of us has natural talents and abilities, but as the old saying goes, “no man is an island unto himself”. Not only can we rely on others to help us become the best we can be, we should also depend on God to give us the opportunities to make the most of what we innately have. He didn’t just make us, He also enhances and polishes what He created. God’s writers have consistently warned against self-serving pride and reminded His children of the value of staying connect