Legal Property

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Saturday, March 16, 2013

Saturday Morning Sermonette - Looking Out for Number One

It had been a few years since I heard this phrase, but I heard it again recently. What it was meant to convey was that I am Number One, and I should be looking out first for myself. My pleasures, my finances, my wants and needs. I, I, I, me, me, me. No one else mattered unless they would help me and my stuff.  A lot of people subscribed to the thought. It didn't matter who I used as my step ladder or how I used them. Honesty was only important if it served me. Looking out for Number One was touted as the be-all for success.

Hmm. Doesn't that depend on your definition of success? Is the top of the ladder success?

I heard all the justifications:
* If I don't look out for myself, who will?
* It's a dog-eat-dog world.
* Me first!
* You'll never get anywhere by being Mr. (or Ms.) Nice Guy.
* Nice guys finish last.
* The person who dies with the most toys wins.

You've probably heard several more than that. Know something? They're self-deceptive, self-serving, selfish lies.

Success cannot be measured by status or wealth or being the MVP at the Superbowl. None of those alone can bring happiness that lasts more than a few moments ar worst or a few days at best.

There's only one way to succeed, at least in my book. Turn your life over to the One who loves you more than you can love yourself and is smart enough to lead you in the way everlasting.

Isn't happiness, peace, and love what everyone ultimately desires? What good is power when it can't make you happy? Why seek status when it won't give you peace of mind? Will money buy love or respect?

There was a popular cartoon when I was young, Donald Duck. His Uncle Scrooge was always counting his money and terrified someone would take some of it. Guess what? If you have the wealth of God's love, no one can steal it. The peace beyond understanding no one can take away.

Contentment beats out the top of the ladder every time.

Thanks be to God.