Until the LORD has given rest to your brethren as to you, and they also possess the land which the LORD your God is giving them beyond the Jordan. Then each of you may return to his possession which I have given you. – Deuteronomy 3:20
REFERENCE
Deuteronomy 3:12-20.
What is the measure of true success? This is a question that would engender as many answers from as many as attempt to answer it. Oftentimes, we adjudge a successful person by how much they have or bank, by their career or political prowess. However, the text before us today shows us that success, as much as it is a privilege, is much more a responsibility and those who can bear that responsibility are those that can truly be called successful.
In this account, God had caused the tribes of Reuben and Gad to enter into their ‘inheritance.’ They had succeeded in securing a dwelling place for their families and livestock. However, God placed a responsibility on them… “Don’t settle to enjoy your ‘success’ yet, until you help your brethren to succeed also in entering into their promised inheritance.”
In other words, ‘Success is of no value to God if your brother is not successful.’ God expects you to go beyond your success and work at also making your brother in Christ succeed.
We often fail to see that when people around us are financially incapacitated, the strain is on us. I know sometimes, we gloat and unwittingly measure our success by how many people we are ‘better than’ or who is yet to reach our rung on the ladder of success. But that’s not the ‘Christian way.’ God wants you to be your brother’s keeper and to understand that the purpose of prosperity is to help humanity.
Your riches should enrich others; your elevation should elevate others, and your fortune should spell great opportunities for others. What can you do to be your brother’s keeper? The equivalent of $100 can help someone start a small business somewhere. Also, you can use your position, influence, knowledge, skill, etc., to help others
Be willing to bring people to the place of fulfillment and settlement; because it is only when they are successful that your own success will be sweet and lasting. Remember, you can only be termed as truly successful when you reach out and help a brother.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Hebrews 13:1-3 & 16, I John 3:16-18, & Acts 20:33-35
PRAYER POINT
Ask God to give you a generous eye that will not look away but see other people’s suffering, and a willing heart to help them where you have the capacity to do so.
