Today I’m posting for the Five Minute Friday linkup. Visit or join the linkup here. FMF is a writing community gathering every Friday for a 5-minute free-write to a one-word writing prompt. Today’s prompt is DISAGREE.
Five minutes starts now –
I’m afraid I have to disagree with people that say you can have it all. My question is, do you really want it all?
Here’s my experience after spending years climbing the corporate ladder. I thought I did have it all. You know what I mean, family, career status, happiness all based on hard work and achievement. But, unfortunately, I found out the hard way my ladder was leaning in the wrong direction. I should have been leaning into the Kingdom instead of the company.
When we leave the company, well, we’re just gone. You see, the company is interested in itself. Preserving, promoting, and growing its presence. That doesn’t make it evil. That’s what it is supposed to do. Someone else will do what we did there. They may even disagree and come up with something better. Eventually, they will forget us. That doesn’t mean we didn’t do good work. It simply means that careers don’t last forever. But guess what, the Kingdom does.
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. –Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT)
Jesus does not disappoint. On the other hand, people and organizations may. Jesus is interested in you. The eternal you. He wants you to succeed in the plans He has for you. He wants you to know how loved and cherished you are. It is YOU He loves. Did you notice all the YOUs?
You are a child of the King! He is the one thing we need. Lean into that truth today. (Click here to read more about our identity in Christ.)
It’s good to work hard and give your boss a good return on your salary. But I caution you not to make your position, pay, or career path the primary focus in life. So, do a heart check every once in a while. Where is your focus? Ask yourself if it is on temporary or eternal things?
Kingdom thinking differs from worldly thinking. Discover the difference by seeking God’s will. He will never fail you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:18, Hebrews 13:5)
Stop – That’s my five-minute timer buzzzzzing, but I have a little more to say.
Overtime – Next steps on a clearer path
Friends, we don’t get anywhere meaningful without Jesus. Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior?
Here’s your invitation to the Kingdom. It’s a simple prayer you can use if you have trouble finding the words.
Lord Jesus, for too long, I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith, I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, be assured that you will never walk alone again. Welcome to the family. Connect with other believers, get into God’s word daily, and spend time with Jesus in prayer and thankful anticipation of what He will do in your life.
God saved you by his grace when you believed.
And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
–Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
It’s easier than ever to read the Bible. You can even have a daily verse sent to your phone or email. Here’s a shortlist of free websites, and you can go to the Play Store (Android) or the App Store (Apple) to find many free Bible apps for your phone:
I’m also posting over on the Inspire Me Monday linkup. Check it out.
Find the graphic here.
Salvation prayer and more here.
Thank you for this important reminder. My husband and I were in that position many years ago and I have to say, you are spot-on. He climbed the ladder well and did a wonderful job, but it was not truly what God had planned for him in order for him to be truly fulfilled. God always states His case and we have to choose. We chose to move on in another direction. We don’t have as much money and things, however, the fulfillment of our hearts with the love of God and the completeness of His Salvation shown even more fully to us by slowing down and living for Him is priceless!
Blessings, my friend in Christ.
Tammy, thanks for visiting. You said it beautifully, true fulfillment comes through Christ.
Jesus does not disappoint! Truth. I love your comment…I should have been leaning into the Kingdom instead of the company.
Yes, it was a hard lesson but a good one. Thanks for stopping by, Robin.
Amen Suzette, Thank you for sharing this blessed lesson today. Blessings.
~Selah~
Hi Paul, nice to hear from you. Thanks.
Even though the nights are rough,
and the pain may make me scream,
it is not so very tough
to say that, hey, I live the dream,
for though I am beset by cancer
and my body’s not in my employ,
I still glide, a ballroom dancer
across the smiling floor in joy,
for I’ve learned things I long to share,
things of hope and things of laughter,
songs that chime through golden air
and tell us of that which will come after
this lovely, earthly life is through,
of a new place with so much to do!
Thanks for a lovely poem, Andrew. I close my eyes and see you dancing across the smiling floor of joy. Bless you.
A kingdom perspective is key! But…it is easy to get caught up in the daily challenges and forget to keep God’s kingdom at the forefront of our thoughts. Daily time in God’s word reminds me to keep a kingdom perspective.
That’s a fact, Ginger. Keeping our focus in the Word is so very important to keeping our priorities straight.
“…my ladder was leaning in the wrong direction..” Very good! Such a great perspective and reminder. Kingdom focus is so important and fulfilling.
Thanks for your ongoing encouragement, friend.