Elevate: Raising the Bar for Conversations About Political TensionsSample

As Matthew records it, Jesus tells a parable (a story with a meaning) about what the Kingdom of Heaven will be like. In it, He shares words spoken from a master to a servant that displays everything we need to know about success. Politics seems to be all about gaining more power. And it’s that problem of “more” that plagues every area of our society: more numbers, more money, more influence, more sales, more authority, more of all of it. But notice that in Jesus’ story, the master doesn’t say, “Well done, my good and successful servant,” or, “Well done, my good and influential servant.” The measure of success that receives the master’s praise isn’t growth, it’s faithfulness.

Before you go to bed tonight, pray and ask God, “Father, was I faithful today?” In the morning, wake up asking how you can be faithful with the day ahead of you. That’s a successful day.