“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.” (Psa. 113:7-9)

The standards of this world define “success” as those who have fame, fortune, physical beauty, status, and control. Thank God that He doesn’t look at us in the same way that we often use to evaluate ourselves, but rather, He looks at our hearts! (1 Sam. 16:7)

On God’s terms, the only terms that truly matter, those who are meek, poor in spirit, hungry and thirsty for righteousness, mourning, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for righteousness— those are the ones who are truly blessed. (Mat. 5:3-10)

When we get to our eternal home, we will be seated with those who are considered royalty and spiritually rich in God’s kingdom, freely worshipping God next to our brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of what our earthly stature was. All that we’ve accomplished for ourselves on this earth will not matter; only those things we’ve done for His glory will. (1 Cor. 3:13)

This is a reminder that we are not to put our hopes and dreams, nor base our security, on the temporary things of this world. As Christians, let us live this life with our eyes focused on eternity by loving God, loving others, and sharing Christ, and knowing that God has set aside a special place for us along with all believers! Amen!

[From November 12, 2018]