Taking It to Work:
In a recent trip to Israel, just before the war erupted again in Gaza, I was astounded by what Herod the Great, former King of Judea, achieved in those ancient times, right before Jesus was born. The guy must have been an absolute genius visionary, of not only architecture, but engineering and commerce. The structures, inventions and oversea trade built under his reign were the envy of the Mediterranean. His achievements, palaces and wealth rivaled Caesar himself.
Problem was, Herod was also a very bad guy. Even with all that he had achieved, and the great name he had earned for himself, only the men of the earth honored him; God did not. Ruthless, cruel, and by the fact that he ordered all of Bethlehem’s young boys killed to protect his crown, he was absolutely evil. As I walked on the ruins of his once great port along the Mediterranean, I was glad to see that it was just that: ruins.
And that was the second thing that amazed me, that even the greatest achievements of man, and even the accolades of the entire world, mean nothing in the end. Herod was powerful, proud and well-known, but he was only concerned with his great name and legacy. Now he’s just a history lesson, and a depressing one at that. He was someone you would never want to be, especially considering where he is now.
Making a name for ourselves; our culture and careers thrive on having others see and applaud the things that we do. Facebook likes, YouTube followers, and Linkedin recommendations seem to be the measurements of choice in our work and life; and with so many new ways of measuring man’s approval, it is fast becoming less and less important to our culture, to receive God’s.
We talk about it a lot: God’s yardstick of success is different, and we must always remember that. He weighs success by the intent of the heart, and is pleased with a mind and life that is centered on pleasing Him – something the world barely notices anymore, and if it does, rarely applauds. As adopted and loved children, it is our obedience to His Word and ways, and our love back to Him, and to others, that gives Him pleasure.
Today’s accomplishments will one day be forgotten, maybe even by you, and the kingdoms we worry about so much will one day be our ruins. Be guided by His Spirit for the greater accolade of our Lord – an eternal accolade that brings glory to Him.
Don’t sweat the opinions or recognition of others. Don’t let the kingdom you work for be one that crumbles with time. It is the Lord Jesus you serve, and it is only His applause that counts, as His Word works in you today.
Matt 2:16 (ESV) – Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.
Gal 1:10 (ESV) – For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
John 12:42-43 (ESV) – Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
Prv 29:25 (ESV) – The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
Acts 5:29 (ESV) – But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men…”
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
The approval of man is poor nutrition; daily is the need and it strengthens only slightly. Seek My approval. Focus heavenward that your work would be approved in the heavenly realm. It is not the approval of men that fills the soul, but the approval of He who equips you fully for your task. Fear arises from expectations of difficulty, but the approval of the Lord is of the heart and intent of mind. Obedience to all that I have taught you, lifts beyond the nod of men. Accolades do not strengthen the countenance as a life lived in righteousness to the law of the Father. Therefore, do not fear the attitude of man; the favor of good men will follow the favor of the Father. Be first loyal to the laws of the Kingdom, that the blessing of My hand might be on all you do. Your memory among men will follow the favor of your Lord.
