> General Discussions
What should our attitude be about success ?
mrsnacks:
This probably goes out to the younger generation more so.
The world says that one needs to put in hard work and pursue ones dreams of success. Like a pro athlete is there in the spotlight because of many many hours spent practicing on the basketball court, or in the batting cages etc. They have eaten and slept their sport and that is what it takes to make it. Yes money and fame are the rewards. Look at the music or entertainment industry. One has to have talent and then the what with to attain success.
Now I ask where is the Lord in all this ? He tells us to seek ye first the Kingdom of God first. And then all these things will be added . What are all these things ? Some say our needs such as water, food and shelter. IS that it ?
Is the pursuit of success carnal and of the flesh ? If a Michael Jordan spent 12 hours a day in the Word and pursuing God instead of on the basketball court - he would've never achieved being one of the best players ever. So what should everyone do ? Is there a conflict here?
This not only goes for sports or entertainment but in the business world or life in general. You get out what you put in they say. Is there something wrong with pursuing a great paying job or career ? Being a doctor or lawyer ? Or just wanting success ?
How about parents that push their kids in the direction of college or getting great grades in high school etc. What of course is behind this is for them to get a career that pays them a lot of money. I am not pushing the prosperity doctrine here at all. But isn't there always with in us all a desire to have nice things and own a home. To be able to afford to eat out at a nice restaurant.For the women - having nice jewelry or a nice size diamond ring on the finger. Are wanting these things natural desires and not necessarily fleshly ?
Let us be honest. I mean really especially the ladies.
I say this because I know Christian women that say to me how we shouldn't live for the flesh and then you look at their closet and they have 20 pairs of shoes. Or wear nice and pricey clothes. Or men who desire nice cars and a suit at Macy's instead of WalMwart. Looking forward to your comments.
One more thing. Honesty is important here. One brother once in dialogue said to me that the problem is materialism. Too much materialism and not enough on the things spiritual. Then you take a peek in his home and he has a nice home. A big screen tv. Nice car. Wants to work overtime to make extra money to buy things.
One Christian woman I know very well said the same thing. And then gets excited when there is a sale at such and such store. Or spends an hour or two going through catalogues looking at clothes and furniture.
Spending money on perfume and cosmetics. Getting her hair highlighted which costs a penny. Anyway fire away.
Kat:
Hi mrsnacks,
hummm, I have an idea about this, but it is just my opinion.
Just as you say, we send our lives chasing after the desires of the flesh. I was like everybody else, wanted nice clothes and jewelry, you know how you want to dress to impress.
This is the carnal desires of the flesh we all have to some degree. It's part of living this life, and the experience of good and evil that we all will go through.
Tit 3:3 For we ourselves also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaving for various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
So as I said, I went through it like everybody does. But I can honestly say now, I don't have the same desires I once had for those things. Sure I still want to look nice, but I'm not interested in making the sales or shopping at all for that matter, like I use to. Now I have to force myself to go to the grocery store.
So what am I saying, I think God usually gives people many years to live there lives and have a full experience of keep up with the Jones. Then He shows us the vanity of it all, I went through sort of a depression, thinking I had not accomplished anything worthwhile. Then after all this, when we are shown the truth, we have a good contrast to compare it with.
That's why I don't think we have to many young people here, or at least they don't stay long. And I'm not saying He doesn't open the eyes of younger people, I've seen young people here that are clearly seeing the truth. I guess what I mean is out of the few, there are very few young people.
I hope this makes sense.
mercy, peace, and love
Kat
carol70:
This is an interesting topic, as I'm struggling with it a bit.
I've never been big into shopping. Oh sure, I like nice clothes and shoes but I've never been overly concerned about it. I will admit, I used to fantasize about having a bigger diamond ring ::) but I no longer have that desire - I'm more than content with what I have.
These days, I'm kinda stuck in trying to decide what desires are ok and which ones aren't. For instance, from now on should I only purchase the most inexpensive car I can find? Is it wrong to want a bigger vehicle for my family and two dogs? How about Disney World - is it wrong to want to take my son there someday? I have traveled to the Caribbean on several occasions and I love visiting those beautiful beaches and clear blue waters - is this wrong? It may sound silly but I really have been struggling with trying to decide if its sinful to want these worldly things...
chuckt:
--- Quote from: carol70 on July 13, 2007, 09:55:59 AM ---This is an interesting topic, as I'm struggling with it a bit.
I've never been big into shopping. Oh sure, I like nice clothes and shoes but I've never been overly concerned about it. I will admit, I used to fantasize about having a bigger diamond ring ::) but I no longer have that desire - I'm more than content with what I have.
These days, I'm kinda stuck in trying to decide what desires are ok and which ones aren't. For instance, from now on should I only purchase the most inexpensive car I can find? Is it wrong to want a bigger vehicle for my family and two dogs? How about Disney World - is it wrong to want to take my son there someday? I have traveled to the Caribbean on several occasions and I love visiting those beautiful beaches and clear blue waters - is this wrong? It may sound silly but I really have been struggling with trying to decide if its sinful to want these worldly things...
--- End quote ---
no worries, your fine!!!
there is nothing wrong with wanting nice things for your family, bigger cars are safer. nothing wrong with going to the beach((just dont wear a two peice))) ;D ::) :P :-* JK.
for real, as long as these things dont become idols of the heart. seek first the kingdom and these will be added. knowing also
those of you who are married with children and have families this is where your heart is, nothing wrong with that, tis LOVE.
inlove
chuckt
Extol:
I think God gives some people incredible talent, and it is good for them to use that talent. I'm a huge sports fan, and let me tell you, it is a joy to watch Roger Federer play tennis. Mozart may not have been the most moral of men, but I believe he was still touched by God to give his music as a gift to the world. (Amadeus is one of my favourite movies, as well as Ray's ;D). Even if a famous athlete or musician is not one of God's elect, or even one of the called, I still think that their talents are gifts from God to the world. I don't really have any Scriptures on this; just my opinion. If I'm wrong I will gladly accept correction. :)
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version