Read: Matthew 6: 31-33

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflect:

“More than other idols, personal success and achievement lead to a sense that we ourselves are god, that our security and value rest in our own wisdom, strength, and performance.” – Timothy Keller – Counterfeit Gods

This afternoon I sat down with my area manager to discuss the successes and challenges of the last year in the Cincinnati market where I work. Our conversation inevitably turned toward the topics of the day and the panic many are experiencing in the face of the unknown impact of what may turn out to be a global pandemic.

How have you responded at the downturn in the financial markets and the potential risks associated with the Coronavirus or the political upheaval in our country? Could it be that we have a somewhat distorted view of winning? I think most of us are susceptible to the cultural idol of success defined by winning. Winning on our own so that we trust in our own abilities means that we serve the god of success.

Winning by losing

God defined success differently. The cross stood for shame. The cross was a cursed way to die. But, Christ’s death on the cross means that the world’s view of what is power and success is exposed for the counterfeit it is. On the Cross Christ wins through losing.

Respond:

In our world the idol of success is very real. How can you escape the attraction of the idol of success? First, recognize that success can’t deliver on its promises to make your life worthwhile. Then you must replace your world view with God’s view of what matters.