“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:3-4.

The book “Ordering Your Private World” references two types of people: the driven and the called. But the greatest book ever written, the Bible, and the Word of our Lord states it like this: “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:32-33. Which group do you belong to? Consider where your life is leading and what footprints you will leave on the sands of time.

The Bible teaches that our character should be defined by integrity, self-control, and sacrificial love. We should model our lives after Jesus rather than the standards of this world. The idiom “all that glitters isn’t gold” means that what appears attractive, valuable, or true may not be so, but instead false, deceptive, and worthless. 

My friends, it’s the ploy of the enemy to drive people down the broad road of life! “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14.

The enemy of our souls’ deceptive lies whisper to accumulate as many things of this world as possible, such things as power, prestige, and material gain. He falsifies that these things will last forever and elevate our self-worth. But self-worth is defined in the truth that those of us who are called are God’s beloved children. We are created for His good pleasure, not the world’s. He loves us unconditionally, and nothing can separate us from His love; we don’t have to work for it; it is a gift!

But in those classified as driven, the prosperity ideology promotes a false sense of security, leading them to believe that everything they have truly belongs to them, or that they “own” it all. It may seem humorous, but they often think the one who is left with the most “toys” wins! They live self-serving, prideful, conceited lives. These individuals represent the goats in Jesus’ parable of the end times.

A gospel hymn writer once wrote these true words: “If I can help somebody as I pass along the way, or if I can show somebody that he’s traveling wrong…or if I can cheer somebody with a word or song… then my living shall not be in vain!”

Yes, there is a clear difference in how we choose to live, and it truly matters now and for eternity. Jesus gives the command: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39. The question is, will we follow?

Our goal, or true north, is to value our relationship with God and our fellow man. Each day, we must choose to hold our possessions loosely and be ready to give and share with those in need. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:3-4.

My friends, as born-again believers, we are the “sheep” in Jesus’ parable. We must follow where He leads. “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” John 10:4.

How will you choose to live, knowing that everything we have, even our very lives, belongs to God? “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Psalm 24:1. He knows us by name!

When we recognize, knowing “whose we are, and who we are,” we honor and respect the Lord God Almighty, our Creator. Doing so gives us confidence and roots us in Him, so that we can live a God-fearing life, one that is founded on humility and love.

And finally, 2 Peter 3:11 asks us, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” The end is coming—how will you respond?

Let us choose to live holy and upright by the power of the Holy Ghost. Never cease to trust in God, knowing that if we follow where He leads, then our living shall not be in vain!

God’s blessings of peace and grace be with you all!