What are the dangers of living for worldly success?

Genesis 13:10-13Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord.

It is easy to be seduced by appearances and overlook the evil beneath. Lot chose the fertile valley of Sodom, not caring that its cash crop was wickedness. This would later lead to his wife’s death—and other dreadful consequences.

Luke 9:25“What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?”

Luke 12:16-21Then he [Jesus] told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

The greatest danger in being successful by the world’s standards is failing to succeed by God’s. Gaining the world only to lose our soul is the ultimate failure.

Mark 4:19“All too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.”

Being consumed by worldly things will keep us from pursuing the success that comes by following God. By focusing all our attention on gaining money, position, power, or fame, we will miss the blessings of God’s good plan.