We live in a culture that worships good advertising, where the quality of anything matters less than how it is presented to its consumers. When good marketing becomes the highest virtue, everything becomes simply a product to be sold, including our own identities. You can be good and wise and virtuous but if you can’t play the game, can’t sell yourself, you will be outshouted and outshone by those who can.
Read More success, humility, image, advertising, authenticity
We live in a world of strategic and business plans. We set goals, assess our assets, compile our list of obstacles and liabilities and construct plans that will make our boards or shareholders or family or friends or boss happy. We hear the stats that suggest that four out of five new businesses fail in the first five years.
Read More success, integrity, plans, stardom, cheating
Whole hearted Hezekiah distinguished himself by his single minded obedience. That obedience required vigorous opposition to the entrenched practices of his day. One widespread activity was the worship of many gods. Perhaps this had a pragmatic component, rooted in fear.
Read More obedience, success, righteousnessRead Reflect Answered prayers, healing, health, wealth and fame. God made Hezekiah extremely rich (v 29a) and a resounding success – “In fact, everything he did was successful!” (v 30b) Hezekiah ‘had it all,’ it seems. So everyone thought; but God doesn’t stop there. For God, ‘the matter of the heart is the heart of […]
Read More success, repentance, pride
Do you want to be considered a success? Deep down, I think every person does if they are honest with themselves. The problem is we know that in our culture success has become an idol. We talk about successful businessmen and successful careers in ways that make us envious and jealous.
Read More wisdom, success, love, loyaltyI find it much too easy to be half-hearted in my faith. To give lip service to the truth, but want my own way in the end. Sometimes when we look at what’s happening around us and we read the Bible we think, “Yeah, but … .” The Scriptures are so ancient, it’s easy to try and convince ourselves that it doesn’t work that way anymore.
Read More trust, success, confidence, obstacles
Graduation at the university where I serve is a splendid affair. Gowns of all colours swish around the town, academics process in order of seniority and new graduates are celebrated for their intellectual achievement. This festival of optimism assures parents and patrons that their considerable expenditure is well invested, as future wealth and influence are assured.
Read More success, Lord, humility, love, self-giving attitude