October 09, 2015

Stooping to Be a King

Pastor Brad Stevens | Originally published 26 August 1992

"If God calls you to be a missionary, 

don't stoop to be a king."

-- Jordan Groomes

SUCCESS is something desired by virtually every creature on earth. Even animals seem to strive toward a distinct purpose. Perhaps it is survival or procreation. Perhaps it is as a constant link in the food chain as God has defined each particular role. Certainly, we are prodded toward success by our parents, families and friends -- even by society in general. Yet, we often fall prey to the goals which others might set or us.

So many people are miserable, having committed themselves to jobs and careers which do not suit them well. Perhaps "Dad" gave insistent guidance. Perhaps we derived our own poor counsel from the lure of better pay or the promise of fame or leisure.

Yet, we as believers should take care to define success by no terms other than Holy Spirit. God has a calling for each of us which may or may not regard a career path. It may simply relate to our spiritual commitments. Whatever it is, being a servant for God is far greater success than being master for any other reason.

Charles Wesley wrote in 1762,

A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify!
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky;

From youth to hoary age,
My calling to fulfil;
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master's will.

Don't forsake your gifts or the calling within you in the pursuit of false success. Choose the success which comes from living and serving in the perfect will of God.

©1992 Bradley J. Stevens