Ministered to by my Seven Year Old

I have this box of scripture cards that was given to me several years ago by my Sunday School class when my Father passed away. To this day, they sit on my dresser. Every once in a while, Josh likes to read a few of those before he goes to bed, and now that he can read, he reads them to me.

So, last night he began to read this prayer to me…

“Giver of All, forgive me when I settle for the world’s definition of success instead of the abundant life You offer. Help me to discover Your joy in every hour.”

The world’s definition of success, it is so opposite of what God teaches.

The world says, “look out for number one. Strive to get to the top”

God says, “In order to get ahead, you need to take a back seat.”

"Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.” Matthew 23:11

Jesus pulling a child over to him says, “anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4

The world says, “go where you want to go, do what you want to do, plan your own life, set your goals and go for it.”

Jesus says, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am.” Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? Mark 8:34..

Final thought, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” Romans 12:2

So thanks, child of mine, for reminding me that what success looks like in this world often isn’t what success looks like to God. And the only way to truly have an abundant life, is to live it God’s way. “Father help.”