Saved From Success 5-Day DevotionalSample

 We must approach Scripture with wisdom. We must recognize the difference between prescription and description. We must understand context, audience, and authorship. But when books like 1 Corinthians, for example, open with an audience address . . . we must ask ourselves, “Are we the church of God who is at Corinth?” No. “Are we those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus?” Yes. “Are we called to be saints?” Yes. “Are we a part of the ‘all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord’?” Yes. Did Paul tell us when this letter would lose its authority in the lives of Christians? No. Are we willing to guess that maybe after 300 years it was no longer relevant? What about 500 years? Maybe 735 years? I hope you’re seeing my point. Even though this letter speaks to several matters specific to the Corinthian church, Paul intended this epistle to be the general property of the universal church of Christ. Whether that was the church of ancient Ephesus or Rome or modern California or England, this book still holds its dominion. While this is only one example from one book in the Bible, it is important to recognize these subtleties as you continue your journey of rightly dividing God’s truth.

Ultimately, in a culture that seems to be moving farther from God’s Word, we must ask ourselves, “Who moved? Us or Him?” . . .

Christians, success in this world must come from a firm, unwavering practice of filling our souls with God’s truth. We must be more concerned with being biblically correct than politically correct. We must be enthusiastic to please our God, not our fellow man.

As you journey through the valley of life, you will be presented with counterfeits and reproductions. You will be wooed toward false wells of hope. You will watch many people drown in their own paths, and you will mourn for them.

The word success has been hijacked by the culture. We have reduced it, twisted it, and molded it into a golden calf for society to worship. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself on your knees before an idol. A lifestyle chasing everything your God is against.

Today’s definition of success is a form of godliness without the power. It is something to guard against. It is something to fear. It is something to be saved from. 

If you'd like to learn more about the book Saved From Success by Dale Partridge, click here.