By Boyd Bailey, President of Georgia National Christian Foundation
Success is a platform of influence to be used for God’s purposes.
“But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. And quarreling arose between Abram's herders and Lot's," (Genesis 13:6-7, NIV).
Over the years, I have watched men and women struggle with their success. One family in particular handled success well. After selling their business, they increased their giving, not their standard of living. They continued to live in the same house, drive the same cars, attend the same church, and have the same friends.
This family is still very intentional about investing in their marriage and in people broken by divorce. Wisely, they’ve maintained the humility and integrity that gave them financial success. Success is a platform of influence to be used for God’s plan.
Two members of a different family, Abram and Lot, did not manage success as well. They kept their possessions and chose to divide instead of letting go of stuff so they could unite.
They could have given away some of their possessions and made room for life together. But because they both kept it all, one eventually lost it all, and they went their different ways. They could have been better together, but when they split up, they were conquered. We suffer from our success when we selfishly demand our way.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor,” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, NIV). Have you experienced financial success? Has it changed you for the better? Has your accountability in giving increased or decreased?
“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth...” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18, NIV).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I give you the glory for any success I enjoy. Work through me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
**Boyd began serving National Christian Foundation as president of Georgia division in March 2016. Prior to that time, Boyd was the co-founder and CEO of Ministry Ventures, a faith-based nonprofit, which has trained and coached over 1,000 ministries in the best practices of prayer, board, ministry models, administration and fundraising. Boyd and his wife Rita live in Roswell, Georgia. They enjoy missions and investing in young couples, as well as hiking, reading, traveling, watching college football, and hanging out with their kids and grandkids.
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