Isaiah Chapter 23. What are you doing with what you have?
The city of Tyre was a great lucrative city. It did much commerce and business. It was a thriving city. But it was an evil city. A prideful city that God humbled.
God prophesied he would bring the city to ruin and it would be forgotten for 70 years. After that Tyre would again be raised back to a lucrative city but their profits would no longer be stored up or hoarded but would be set apart for the Lord. It would help those in need of food and clothes.
Oftentimes we judge someone, not based upon their relationship with Christ, but on their earthly success. We see a rich person who works hard and seems to be making it in life. We feel this person is a role model and even speak well of them spiritually. “Oh, God wouldn't send them to hell. He's a good old boy. In fact, I want to be as successful as he is.”
But one's success is Not based upon the amount of money one has but what one does with the money they have. When God blesses us with something, whether it's money, possessions, a smart mind, a specific skill set, or a special personality, etc, then he wants us to bless others with it. It's not meant to be used for “show” it's to be used to bless others.
CHALLENGE:
What has God gifted you with? How are you letting him use the gifts you have to bless others? Be careful what you do with the gifts God has given you. Just like Tyre, God could remove it from you for a period of time. Examine your heart or rather let God show you your heart. Let your focus not just be self but also for others.