Sometimes I think that our culture thinks about things in the exact opposite way of the truth. We are told if you work hard enough you can achieve anything. Or if you want something strongly enough you can get it with the right amount of focus. I believe these statements put unrealistic expectations on people, leading to disappointment and frustration. They also downplay the efforts of the millions of people who have worked hard and not achieved their goals.
In Matthew 23:11-12 Jesus says, “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Jesus’ statement is the exact opposite of what our culture tells us. We are told to work hard and promote yourself before others, taking what you believe is yours with no consideration of others. Then we will be able to reach to pinnacle of success. Jesus tells us that to be a leader you must serve others first. Why would He say such a thing. It is because thinking yourself to be important is the opposite of trusting God. It is only when we trust God that we can expect His blessings, which include love, hope, and peace. These inner qualities are the attributes that make life enjoyable and fruitful. Not trusting God leads us down a path that is ultimately unsatisfying and destructive.
Reluctant Retiree 