Road Rules: Dangerous Success

Proverbs 27:21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise. The fires of trials drive us to God. The storms cause us to cry out in desperation. Hardship drops us to our knees. But there is one test much greater than adversity. The taste of success…that’s the real test of a person’s character.  Promotions, positions, awards, and accolades tempt us to think we are capable without God. We believe our genius produced the uptick; our gutsy moves saved the company. Success tempts us to turn inward. Success is the real test of the heart. So how are you doing? You up there on the mountaintop of career…you up there with the trophies of accomplishment. Be careful up there in the heights! A slippery slope surrounds the peak of success. It’s a long, hard, painful slide to the bottom. If you are not careful, success will produce pride, and pride always comes before a fall.  Father, may we never forget that you are the Mover behind all our advancements. You are the Giver behind all that we have. You are the Shepherd of our careers. You are the Creator; we must bow before in love and awe. Don’t let selfish pride infect our hearts. Keep us focused on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.