Senior Living - February 6

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things?and the things that are not?to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  --1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Despite what our culture tells us, worldly success is temporary…and it will never bring about complete satisfaction. The number of people who have come to ruin after experiencing the world’s idea of fame and fortune is astonishing. Here are just a few:

• Multimillionaire George Vanderbilt killed himself by jumping from a hotel window.  
• Lester Hunt, two-time governor of Wyoming and soon-to-be U.S. Senator, ended his own life.  
• Actress Marilyn Monroe, writer Ernest Hemingway, and athlete Tony Lazzeri represent a group of popular people who were dissatisfied and took their own lives.  

Solomon warned those who strived for success without God: “The hopes of the wicked come to nothing” (Proverbs 10:28). According to biblical accounts, God didn’t generally use successful and popular people to accomplish His work. Instead, he used everyday people like Paul, Nehemiah, Rahab, Mary, Jonah, Joshua…and the list goes on. 

What’s wonderful is God doesn’t require us to be “big shots” to make an impact for Him. The fact is He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom even today. And the greatest success you’ll ever achieve will come one day when you meet Him in heaven!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Submit yourself to the will of the Lord and ask Him to use you for the work of His kingdom.