Great Things

Is it okay for me to want to be successful in this life?

God’s Response

This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You have said, “I am overwhelmed with trouble.” . . . Baruch, this is what the LORD says: “I will destroy this nation that I built. I will uproot what I planted. Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Jeremiah 45:2-5

Of course you would prefer to be successful than to be a failure—that’s a good thing! But you need to be sure that you have God’s perspective on success (see May 10). God told Baruch not to seek great things for himself but simply to be obedient and God would watch over him. Study hard and prepare yourself well for your future. Above all, be obedient to God, and then you will be successful wherever God takes you.

This Is Promising

Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3