Using a spiritual yardstick

In this material world, the most powerful people are the strong and the rich. And the most successful are those who have marketable talents and are prepared to work hard. Meritocracy, they say! In other words, your success depends on your own efforts and abilities. Unfortunately, those who are considered rich and successful in this world will be disappointed when they get to heaven. Because in heaven, the criteria for success we use now is overturned. In heaven, the lowly, the humble and those who put others before themselves will be the most exulted and celebrated. Jesus himself said this when he told his disciples, “whoever would be great among you must be your servant,” and “the first will be last, and the last first.” In heaven, we are judged not by the results of our work, whether outstanding or poor, but by the care and love we put into it. God sees the motives of our heart. If we want to be great in the eyes of God, we have to take after Jesus who came to serve and not to be served.