"$UCCE$$"

  It's sometimes taught as the "gospel of success"! We live in a day and time where the media, social outlets and even preaching and teaching worship the god of "success." What America claims are role models are looked at as "successful." Professional athletes with multi-million dollar salaries are "successful." Corporate heads who command vast commercial empires are "successful." Autobiographies are written about those self-made "successful" people and become big sellers. Musicians, actors, entertainers with huge fan clubs and bulging bank accounts are envied by many and viewed as a great "success" in life.

  Where does that leave the rest of us? The many multitudes? Are we (they) "unsuccessful?" The ordinary person who works hard, planning out things, clawing, scratching, scraping and doing what is right just to get along in life. What about those of us who follow Jesus? Is it possible the world's mad-dog rush and mob-like clamor for "success" has invaded the church from the podiums, classrooms and outreach? In all this talk about "success" and being a winner, is it making it more and more difficult for us to hear the voice of the Son of God? Was it not Jesus who spoke these words: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)? The Lord of heaven and earth hasn't changed His mind, has He? When is the last time we thought about His words: "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."? (Luke 12:15) Is our life really about physical "success?"

  Let's be honest here. Where do we find where Jesus taught His disciples to "succeed" in their physical well being? Where did God inspire His holy apostles to teach the church to be "successful" using worldly criteria? What is happening in the church when disciples want positions of greatness and dominance over others? Maybe we need to go back and read about Brother Noah working on an ark because it was a matter of life and death in listening to God. He led his children to listening to God's voice to save them too. It meant they had to reject the lifestyle of those around. Look at Jeremiah as he weeps in prison over Judah's unfaithfulness, suffering with those who have acted ungodly. Read about Paul, sitting in a prison cell, awaiting to hear if he would be executed or set free because of His Lord's message. And what about Jesus as they drove nails in His hands and feet?

  "Success" has become a goal of many. I'm not advocating to not try your best or be lazy. I am wondering if we have forgotten that the gospel is still God's power to save and it is the only means to do just that. We will live in eternity with the Lord only by and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who spoke that those who humbly submit to Him, walking in His love and serving where we can while preaching Jesus and Him crucified to our friends and neighbors. The only "successful" ones in the end will be those who serve their Master allowing Him to save their souls.