Thursday, December 16, 2010

God's Measure of Success May Surprise You

From a journal entry dated 7-8-1994, long before I aspired to make writing my career:

"I measure success by growth, not by how many people know you. I give out rewards by what you did with what you had. The world emphasises the wrong things, and so does the church It's not how many books you've written, but do your kids come running to you when you get home from work? It's not what kind of car is in your driveway, but do you remain faithful to your spouse?

What you value shows your true worth, and I value character and love and obedience. Some people are gonna be very surprised at who gets the best seats in Heaven. And I'll just smile and say, "They were faithful with what I gave them."

So, don't be jealous of big names or even wish to be like them,. Recogntion from men is so empty and transient People are fikle, and easily turned this way and that, even Christian people who don't know Me that well and don't know their inheritance in Me.

You strive for the applause that lasts--My smile, My hug and My "Well done, good and faithful servant" is all you really need. I will make everything worthwhile and even in the end."

Doesn't it amaze you how timeless God's words are?

12 comments:

  1. This is wonderful, Jeanette. It absolutely IS timeless.

    I have your bookmark prayer tucked in my "Coffee Shop Bible." It goes in my backpack with me whenever I go to write.

    I think of you.

    Blessings,

    Rhonda

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  2. That is beautiful, and such a wonderful reminder when it's so easy to get caught up in this world.

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  3. It's so easy to compare ourselves and come up inadequate, but this post is so encouraging. We can live our life to the best of our ability without the inadequacy.

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  4. My views on what is important and what really matters has definitely been refined by a loving God. He is timeless and patient thankfully! :O)

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  5. Yes, Jeanette, it does amaze and humble me. Have a great day!

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  6. Jeanette:
    I am touched by this eternal truth. As I get older, I notice things don't matter in the way they did 'back when'. As I have matured chronologically I have done my best to mature spiritually. Thank you for sharing this.

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  7. Absolutely positively it does. It's kinda like Maya Angelou once said when talking about what children wanted ( and I'm paraphrasing here)," ya know what a child really wants??? He wants to see your eyes light up when the come into a room."

    I'll be totally content with "well done, good and faithful servant," any day of the week my friend. :o)

    This was just a joy to read.

    God bless and have the most amazing day sweetie!!!

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  8. A timely reminder. God calls us to be writers--by writing for Him our words become His. Why are we so often tempted to write for man? To promote ourselves? Thank you for reminding me to keep my eyes on God's approval.

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  9. Interestingly, I look for words of affirmation of a job well-done by my boss, my peers, my kids. And rarely receiving them. But God's words are always there, if I'm following faithfully. And forever there. Thanks for the reminder!

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  10. Hi Jen -

    Wonderful post and something we'd do well to remember as the New Year approaches!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  11. Thank you for this Jen. Your words always encourage and remind me where to focus.
    I pray your have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

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  12. Your new blog looks great. I love this old posts. It is amazing how good of a writer we were, "back in the day" isn't it? Yes, I agree with all of the lovely sentiments.

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