December 29, 2020 Devotion: What Does It Take To Succeed?

What does it take to be successful?

Scripture reading - Matthew 25: 31-46

The king will reply: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of these least of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me." - Matthew 25:40

The arrival of a new year is a time to look forward and ask ourselves, “What are we hoping for next year? What are our dreams and aspirations? What will we do with our life? Will we make a difference in this world? Will we be successful? "

Some hope to graduate this year. Others are looking for a promotion. Still others hope for recovery. Many hope to start life again. And we all hope for a good year to come.

Whatever our hopes or resolutions for the new year, let's take a few minutes to ask ourselves, "What are we going to do for the people who are down and out?" How do we plan to imitate our Lord in reaching out to people who are marginalized, who need help, encouragement and a new beginning? Will we take our Savior's words seriously when he tells us that whatever we do for people like these, we are doing it for him?

Some people I know bring a hot meal to long-term residents in a run-down motel. Others are active in the prison ministry. Others pray daily for lonely and needy people, and still others generously share their resources.

A bookmark in my Bible says: “Success has nothing to do with what you earn in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others! ”And this is what Jesus teaches.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, fill us with compassion for the people who are least in the eyes of this world. Open our eyes to the needs of the people around us. Amen