Heavenly Threats Because of Earthly Success
Part 2
Part 2
The Rich Young Man
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.
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It can threaten our entrance into the Kingdom.
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Part 2:
When we are successful, we can easily come to think we are bigger than we are. Jesus being the perfect leader never had to enforce His authority. Jesus knew that when a leader has to exercise their authority then respect for the leader begins to diminish. Earning respect in your leadership role is a most valuable aspect of your leadership.
The Rich Young Man is an image of a self-deluded leader we have to be careful that we do not fall into. We can see him riding in on a big beautiful horse to see Jesus, perhaps with some followers (people often follow the money). He knew Jesus had authority or he would not have come. The rich man already had authority because of money and the status it brings, and seemed to want what Jesus had. But, he abused his status. He valued his money, his status, his wealth, and popularity more than he wanted the authority of the Word of God in his life.
Similarly the lieutenant of Part-1 had authority and was overzealous in using it. In the end, both the rich young man and the lieutenant failed in the success that God had given them in His blessings for them. One thought more of wealth and the other thought too much of His position to be the humble leader Jesus wants us to be.
In Matthew 5 our leader Jesus teaches us the traits of a follower of Jesus, and as a leader for Jesus. Jesus never asked us to bow to him, salute him, say "yes Sir", or "no Sir". He just wants us to walk with Him, believe in Him, love Him, and do His father's Will as He taught. As our leader, He will even carry us through our needs and see that our needs are fulfilled (Footprints in the Sand).
Jesus' leadership style works for us even today. He always gave, taught, and walked the perfect example, especially in being a leader. To be a leader for Christ, we must first take the yoke of humility…. Equally, humility can help us lead in our everyday jobs. Being humble as Jesus does not mean we have to be a doormat. Leading with humility allows you to help the people you lead achieve the goals you give them. Jesus did this in his job, why should we think we should differently in our everyday job. Be not only humble (meek) but also bold for Jesus, just as Jesus was bold for God (click: Meekness and Boldness).
Finally,
Consider Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa,
Martin Luther the founder of the Reformation, and
most especially Jesus.
In setting a great example for us to follow, all of these leaders attained their leadership roles more through respect than through any authority given them. The fact is, few of them were ever give great positions of authority, they became great leaders through being respected for what they represented.
In setting a great example for us to follow, all of these leaders attained their leadership roles more through respect than through any authority given them. The fact is, few of them were ever give great positions of authority, they became great leaders through being respected for what they represented.
Give a person money or authority and often
they think they are king,
they think they are king,
but it hardly lasts for even a generation because
“kings and kingdoms will all pass away",
but
a person, especially a leader in great humility lives in the lives of others for the ages.
Thanks Be to God
Lonnie
A video:
Click here: "kings and kingdoms will all pass away".
The same by the Gaither Vocal Band:
A video:
Click here: "kings and kingdoms will all pass away".
The same by the Gaither Vocal Band:
Today's Scripture
The Rich Young Ruler
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.
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.
(c) Lonnie
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