Success is one of the best tests of true character. Very successful people often lose the plot; they become too big for their boots.
From humble beginnings, with hard work and maybe a few lucky breaks, success is yours. Wealth is one of the rewards you then can enjoy. But be warned, remember who you are. You don’t know everything. At your funeral, like at mine, the minister will probably say, “From dust to dust”. Humility is not something that automatically accompanies success. It is a constant, concerted effort to remind ourselves that we also have feet of clay.
I am a combination of my strengths and weaknesses. Both my successes and failures define who I am. In God’s eyes, everyone of us is unique and special. He loves us and gave His life for us. Today I remind myself again of who I am, but also who others are. Every single person is special, unique and deserves my respect. The Bible warns religious people not to treat rich people different from others. Next time you spot someone digging through your rubbish bin, remember who you are. Not that different from that person that God loves and sent his Son for. Next time you see someone who serves God in a different way, remember who you are, and that God thinks they are also special. God loves all of us, not just you.
Amen.
