Tuesday, March 8 / Day 6  

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval. Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” — John 6:27-29

Most pastors have been to regional and national gatherings. It is a great way to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. When meeting someone new, I am often asked: “How big is your church?” Some are simply curious, but for others it is used to compare. Some believe that the larger the membership, the more worship services, the bigger the staff…the more successful the pastor is. When I told one large-church pastor how many members were in my church, he replied (in a very patronizing tone), “That’s okay…your call is still holy.”

Comparisons are everywhere. How many students are in your classroom? Oh, I have more than that. How many acres do you farm? I harvest three times that. How many hours a week do you work? Wow, I put that in by Wednesday!

So what? Whose standards should you follow? Who should be guiding your steps? There is nothing wrong with trying for a promotion…but why? For the glory of God? Great! Or have you fallen into the trap of thinking the more you do, the more successful you are.

It says in John, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” The word “believe” in Greek is translated “keep on believing.” Continually believe in Jesus. Continually learn from him. Continually lean in to him. Continually define yourself based on his standards. According to God, we are all sinners saved by grace through faith.

And what does God want us to do with our lives? That is different for each person and cannot be compared. God is looking at your heart. Are you faithful to Him? Are you seeking to grow in Him? Then you are successful.

To Think/Pray About Today

How do you define success for yourself? Do you feel pressure to live up to someone else’s expectations, or do you ask God what He wants you to do with your life?

Prayer Focus: Cedarville Community Food Pantry