Dont prey on success: Pray for success

Think twice when you pray for success. We live in a competitive environment that constantly pushes our boundaries to the limit. For those who want to have a Christian attitude in life there is a constant pressure to conform to the worlds standards. This society has a definition for success that is in many ways contrary to what the Bible teaches. That is why we must be reminded of the Christian definition of success every time we get into the rat race, lest we end up running at the same pointless and frantic rhythm. Success is measured around us in terms of money, achievement and power to use and dominate others. The Christian must think in terms of resources, fulfilment and strength to serve and guide others. The position of every Christian was made exemplary by Jesus Himself. He came to serve, not to be served even being God.

Pray for success the Christian way

This relationship between leadership and service had to be explained by Jesus to His disciples in many occasions, as they were also immersed in the values of the Jewish society. Their idea of the Messiah was one of a powerful military commander who would crush the oppressor and reinstate the Jewish hierarchy with himself at the top and those near him as secondary rulers. This idea permeates the petition that two of the disciples made Jesus through the mediation of their mother. Then the mother of Zebedees children came to Him with her sons, worshipping and desiring a certain thing from Him. And He said to her, what do you desire? She said to Him, Grant that these my two sons may sit in Your kingdom, the one on Your right hand and the other on the left. But Jesus answered and said, You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptised with the baptism that I am baptised with? They said to Him, We are able.

And He said to them, You shall indeed drink of My cup and be baptised with the baptism that I am baptised with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but to those for whom it has been prepared by My Father. And when the ten heard it, they were indignant concerning the two brothers. But Jesus called them and said, You know that the rulers of the nations exercise dominion over them, and they who are great exercise authority over them. However, it shall not be so among you. But whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Pray for success and you will succeed where others have failed
The lesson that Jesus gave to his disciples is valid for us today. Our success must not be measured by our wealth or status, but by our disposition to serve God and others. We are part of the Kingdom of God, which is a realm where only those who submit themselves to Gods leadership and learn to lead others towards being more like Jesus will be successful. Those who imitate Jesus will soon find that the life he lived was one of sacrifice and love, but in truth, that is the only way to success. The world preys on success; we must pray for success.