Criticism....

        One businessman keeps a fairly large stone on his desk. The stone is mounted and lettered with one word: "First." This acts as a constant reminder to him of Jesus' words, "He that is without sin . . . let him first cast a stone." When his employees enter his office and there is reason to criticize them for their lack of achievement, the man looks at the stone and recalls his own shortcomings. He deals with his employees in mercy and grace.

       The Scripture does not teach us to look the other way when people sin. It does not teach us that we ought to condone adultery or any other crime. What it does teach us, however, is that it is not the responsibility of a Christian continually to be on the lookout for sin in other Christians--or anyone else for that matter. If we have lived a perfect life, we can be watchdogs on others who have not lived a perfect life. But we have enough trouble keeping ourselves in line; we need not constantly be critical of the way others live. Jesus was teaching the critical religious leaders of His day that although the woman was a great sinner, she was no greater a sinner than they were. We must remember the same as we meet others today.

Every need met...

A man was struggling to climb a very tall ladder that leaned up against a wall. The rungs were far apart, and there were people in front of him. But he was consumed with making it to the top. He climbed every rung, stepping over people along the way. When he got to the top, he looked over the wall and saw nothing.

That’s exactly where the pursuit of worldly wealth leads you. Years ago, a book was written by Psychologist Douglas LaBier called Modern Madness. In it, LaBier discussed what the quest for more and more can produce in a person’s life. He suggested that as people pursue wealth more and more, they lose both their self and their personhood.

In other words, when wealth becomes a person’s focus over and above their relationships with others and with God, they essentially check out relationally. They put family and friends on the back burner only to focus on things that, in the end, mean absolutely nothing.

The deepest needs of your life aren’t going to be met by the pursuit of wealth. That’s the lie of the enemy. So instead of searching for happiness in worldly possessions, remember who you are in Christ. Find your identity in Him alone and He’ll meet your every need!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”    Matthew 6:33