My Quest for Power!

Luke 14: ¹³ But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, ¹⁴ and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

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The Chief Operating Officer of the Japan division was due to land in a matter of hours. We scurried to do research on his background to ensure our alliance would remain solid. Dinner that evening cost, well let’s just say it was a lot. On the way home, I felt proud that we had struck a good deal.

Dinners like this were a common occurrence and not once did I think about treating someone who could not help my career to this lavish lifestyle.

• When it comes to serving the poor I sometimes give my leftovers.
• When it comes to serving the lame I sometimes cringe, not wanting to see missing limbs or broken bodies.
• When it comes to serving the crippled I sometimes try to assess how they got like that so I can judge their lifestyle justifying my “non-action.”
• When it comes to serving the blind I sometimes fear blindness and I stay as far away from them as possible.

Networking with the rich and powerful was a quest I had for a while. I don’t know when it started but I could sniff out the leaders and get next to them quickly to “show my stuff.” They would embrace me and I would get the best projects and the largest budgets. But what about serving?

• The best reward comes from GOD when I do something for those who cannot repay.
• The best reward comes from GOD who sees what I do for others in secret.
• The best reward comes from GOD especially when I seek those who need help.

It’s real easy to ignore those in need to “get ahead.” I call them the “throw away people.” These are the less fortunate, less powerful and less desirable people who I tried to avoid, not on purpose, they just did not have anything to offer, or so I thought.

GOD wants me to have compassion for the masses so HE steered me in the direction of “seeing” the less fortunate now whereas before I could not see them. Serving them draws to HIM.

• When is the last time you served the poor?
• Will you reach out to the person who is crippled, lame or blind?
• Can you find time to serve the powerless today?
• Will you help someone in need as an act of worshipping GOD?

Looking for somebody?

Matthew 4: ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

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“Need a job? Network” I was told. “Want to grow your business? Network” I was told. “Want more out of life? Network” I am told. Networking has become this thing that seems great for the political and gross for the average person.

“You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” is a growing self-serving attitude that I don’t quite feel comfortable with. How can I be successful if that isn’t my personality?

• I can’t follow JESUS when I am arrogant.
• I can’t follow JESUS when I am fearful.
• I can’t follow JESUS when I am lustful.
• I can’t follow JESUS when I am doubtful.
• I can’t follow JESUS when I am lazy.

JESUS told HIS disciples to follow HIM meaning “Do what I do.” HE tirelessly gave of HIMSELF while keeping a peaceful attitude. HE had to show HIS disciples how to serve people and how to have the right attitude while doing so.

Humans are flawed. We are selfish even when we serve, BUT JESUS was pure in all of HIS intentions. HE showed me how to serve others just for the sake of serving HIM. Now when I do something “nice” for someone, I know it brings the person one more step closer to GOD.

• Networking for GOD always yields profit in my life.
• Networking for GOD always feels like the right thing to do.
• Networking for GOD always works when my motive is purely focused on HIM.

GOD doesn’t need me to manipulate, coerce, or entangle people to have a relationship with HIM. HE simply wants me to share the great news about the things HE has done for me over the years. That’s it. My net “heavenly worth” goes up each sincere moment I share. GOD will take care of my earthly needs when I focus on HIS heavenly kingdom.

• Why do you meet people?
• Is it difficult for you to “network?”
• Are you meeting people to serve yourself or to serve GOD?
• Can you serve someone today even if it is as little as a smile?