Heavenly Threats Because of Earthly Success Part 1 of 2

Heavenly Threats Because of Earthly Success
Part 1

The Rich Young Man

Matthew 19:16-29pp -- Mk 10:17-30; Lk 18:18-30

 See scripture below.

We must be careful with our earthly successes.  

We just may think we made it happen.
It can threaten our entrance into the Kingdom.
-----

My brother Don, deceased, was became a U.S. Marine in the early 1960's.  When I joined the U.S. Air Force in 1970, he told me an important story about a new Marine Second Lieutenant that over-enjoyed his status as a commissioned officer.  The lieutenant thought he was more than he really was.

As Don told me one day:
He passed a friend on base (Camp Pendelton, Ca. USA) and noticed that his friend, a young Private, was saluting a lieutenant, many times.  The lieutenant was counting as the private was saluting and counting, 88...89...90.....

My brother saluted the lieutenant as he passed by, then quietly stopped and turned to watch.  Just then, a Colonel (five ranks higher than a 2nd lieutenant, stopped, and the lieutenant saluted the Colonel.

The colonel  asked, "What is going on here lieutenant!"

"Well Colonel, this young private failed to show respect to me and did not salute me and I am teaching him a lesson about proper military behavior.  To correct him, I am making the private salute me 100 times."

The colonel replied, "Hmmmm, well lieutenant, do you know that the proper behavior is for the officer to return the salute!"

"Well, sir, uhh, yes I do sir," said the lieutenant.

"Private" said the colonel, how many times have you saluted the lieutenant?" asked the colonel.

"About 93 times."

In a stern voice, the Colonel told the lieutenant, "Well, lieutenant, have you returned his salutes?"

"uuhhh, well, uh Sir, No Sir I haven't sir", said the lieutenant.

Turning to and telling the private, "as the lieutenant salutes you 93 times, you count them, do not let him miss even one.  If you do not feel they are of proper military behavior, then let me know."

To the lieutenant, "Return his salutes, then report to me in my office."

"Yes Sir," as the lieutenant started saluting in proper military fashion, 93 times as the private just stood there (no doubt smiling) and counting.... 1...2...3......

An earthly moral to this story:
As a leader, if you have to enforce your authority, reminding people you are their superior, you often lose much of the respect people had for you.  Do not confuse people's respect for your position with their respect for you.  Authority is given to you, respect is earned.

For the Heavenly Threats Part 2, click here 

Thanks Be to God

Lonnie


A video:
Click here:  "kings and kingdoms will all pass away".
The same by the Gaither Vocal Band:

       "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, There is something about that Name"

Today's Scripture

The Rich Young Ruler

19:16-29pp -- Mk 10:17-30; Lk 18:18-30

16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
18"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,
19honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' "
20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
27Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"
28Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.