There is a story in the Bible about the temptation of Christ. You know the details: 40 days in the wilderness, offers of fame, riches and glory. Long conversations with the devil.
I often wonder how the Bible stories came to be. If that happened, the only person who could report it is Christ(or I suppose Satan, but in my experience a guy with horns, a tail and a slightly red body tint is usually nowhere to be found in day to day life). I think more likely, Christ, with his extraordinary talents was truly tempted by his own abilities, inclinations and options: he could have been a king, or a wealthy man, but chose a different path.
I don’t like the notion that people who rise to governmental leadership posts, or financial success made bad choices and are bad people. I don’t believe Christ preached that idea. I do think he made a choice of how to best use the gift of life. As an impoverished teacher of wisdom, Christ’s legacy has endured where as a famous king, or wealthy success, his influence might well have disappeared. His legacy has made our lives richer where if he’d made a different choice, we might never have remembered him.
Which to me is the real point of the story. Living our lives as Christ taught is the goal and reward itself. It is not incompatible with political leadership, or financial success; in fact a Christ driven life will facilitate “success”. But be careful of what the definition of success is; not the accumulation of riches or power, but the lasting legacy of care for others.
In other words, if all you’ve done with your life was for yourself, you can’t expect anything from anyone else. On the other had, when you’ve spent your life giving yourself away, well, you won’t worry about getting anything from anybody else in the first place.
Think on it.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....
Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs
Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs
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