Unbounded

The Path to Success……………. YouVersion

There are many definitions for success in today’s culture. For some, success is defined by the number of accomplishments we’ve made, or the number of possessions we’ve attained.

But Jesus’ definition of success is counter-cultural. It has nothing to do with our accomplishments or our possessions—it has everything to do with our character.

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16:10 is primarily about the content of our character. He says that those who are trusted with small things will be entrusted to larger things. Those who are faithful with what they’ve been given will be given the opportunity to be faithful over more. And those who are dishonest, unfaithful, and untrustworthy, will do the same with what they’re given.

It’s not ultimately important to Jesus whether we are financially successful in life. What’s more important is what we do with what we’ve already been given.

Little acts of faithfulness every day is how our character is shaped over time. The small decisions and the hard decisions are what create us into people of trust and honesty.

If you’re asking God for more in life, make sure that you’re being faithful with the things He has already given you. Use the resources and opportunities you have to build trust and honesty with other people.

God is looking to use people of character rather than people of success. So pray for God to increase your character and to give you the opportunities to become a person who is faithful and honest in every area of life.

He Knows Your Sacrifice........... Culled from He Knows Your Name

Text
Luke 7: 36-50
Romans 12: 1
Philippians 4:18

Message

In Luke 7 we read about another nameless woman who makes a scene in the home of a Pharisee. Jesus is attending a banquet at the Pharisee’s house and finds Himself intentionally snubbed, as the standard greetings of hospitality are withheld from Him. This woman, labeled only as “sinful” (v. 37), notices how He is rejected and decides to act.

She takes a brave step forward, sacrificing both her costly oil and her reputation, as the scornful crowd begins to whisper about this brazen act. There are layers to this powerful story, but let me simply say this: her sacrifice was costly, but it was seen and rewarded by the One person in the room who mattered most.

Some days I wonder if anyone notices the sacrifices I make. I have a feeling you can relate. We sacrifice sleep, money, praise, time, desires, preferences, and being right, and some days we just want someone to take notice.

Today, take heart. Jesus notices.

He knows about the sleep you give up because a child needs comforting or the house needs cleaning. He knows you stay awake a little longer or wake up a little earlier to go the extra mile at work or to bake something for a friend recently home from the hospital. He knows.

He knows the sacrifice you’ve made as you guard your mouth. The way you honor others and are a safe space for another’s pain. The way you choose to speak life even though you are tempted to gossip. He sees the arguments you could win but chooses to bow out of, them for the sake of the relationship. He sees the sacrifice and He knows.

He sees the burdens you carry. The aging parent you care for faithfully and the words you pray for others daily. He knows how you continue to love the family member who hurled hurtful words your way. He sees.

And He sees the choices you are making with your finances. The decision to wait rather than purchase on impulse. He sees your generosity and the impact your dollars make in a country across the ocean.

Your sacrifice is not in vain. It does not go unnoticed. It is our sacrifice that is called a pleasing aroma to God. He notices what goes unnoticed by others, and He calls it a soothing and pleasing gift to Him.