The longer you ride the train, the more appealing the exit payout will be. This concept is often illustrated in game shows where contestants must choose between keeping their current winnings or risking it all for a chance at a greater prize.
It seems the further along a person gets in their walk with the Lord, the more rewarding and enticing it is to get sidetracked. We may find ourselves tempted by distractions of greater degree—be it relationships, wealth, position, or the comfort of settling for less, trading greater potential for security.
Jesus taught, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
Luke 16:10
This principle highlights the importance of remaining faithful regardless of our circumstances. As we grow in faith and begin to receive blessings as a byproduct, it’s crucial to remember that these blessings are not the end goal but are meant to glorify God further.
During one of my job interviews, the interviewer shared his biggest concern regarding new employees:
- They often lose motivation once they start earning more than they’re accustomed to.
- They mentally clock out, severely limiting themselves.
- They settle as soon as they achieve what they’re used to, rather than pushing forward to greater heights.
Complacency is to progress what red lights are to cars.
We face a choice similar to the Israelites in the wilderness. When God led them to the edge of the Promised Land, ten out of the twelve spies were afraid and preferred to stay where they were. Only Joshua and Caleb had the faith and courage to enter the land God had promised (Numbers 13-14).
In forfeiting future possibilities by clinging to present security, we sacrifice the extraordinary for the ordinary.
The Apostle Paul experienced extraordinary revelations from God. Yet, to keep him from exalting himself, he had a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Instead of boasting about his revelations, Paul chose to boast in his weaknesses because they kept him reliant on Christ’s power. The thorn in his flesh, which was not a good thing, was used to his advantage because the thorn helped to keep him focused on Christ. This teaches us that no matter how extraordinary the gifts we receive from God, they should never replace His place in our hearts. Paul learned to rejoice in his sufferings.
If wealth increases, we must not set our hearts on it (Psalm 62:10). Complacency, misplaced security, and arrogance can arise if our hearts become attached to the increase rather than to the giver of the increase (1 Corinthians 3:7). Setting your heart on the increase kills the potential for further increase.
To serve creation rather than the Creator is a distorted view of reality (Romans 1:25).
In light of this, let us not rest on our laurels or get distracted. Instead, press on, fully committed to the journey God has set before us, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12
Fix your heart on the Lord—straight to the top!
