Rev. Don Campbell

2 Chronicles 10-12

THOUGHT FOR TODAY, June 24, 2019

“THE DANGERS OF SUCCESS”

When Rehoboam’s rule was established, he abandoned the law of the Lord and all Israel with him (2 Chronicles 12:1). The Lord’s message through Shemaiah the prophet was: “You have abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak” (2 Chronicles 12:5). Shishak king of Egypt took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house (2 Chronicles 12:9). The gold items were replaced with bronze ones. Rehoboam humbled himself, avoiding the complete destruction of the nation.

Most elderships and preachers could tell stories of members who had served God faithfully until they became a great success in their chosen profession. Sometimes the stories are about preachers and elders.

If we fail to recognize that it is not by our own our own strength or power that we achieve success, but by the grace of God, we are in danger of being taken captive by our own foolishness. We would do well to remember what the mother whale said to her youngster: “Remember, son, when you get to the top and star to blow, that when they harpoon you.”

Some say Lincoln said it; others credit it to someone else. Regardless of who said it, I believe it is true: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

CONNECTIONS

1. Solomon was tremendously successful, but what does he say about the “bottom line”? (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

2. What are some of the faulty measuring stick we often use to measure success?