What can I do to keep from becoming too self-righteous?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I come from an ambitious and successful family. I have four siblings; all doctors or lawyers – one sister is both. While I believe they love me, they are a bit embarrassed with my lack of ambition (in their words). After all, I am only a wife and mother raising five children who love the Lord and serve Him faithfully, though they are just teenagers. I am proud of my siblings but I also feel overcome with their lack of time spent with their children who seem to be wandering. Every time I try to talk with them to encourage them to be more involved, they think I am being self-righteous. This is not my motive and my spirit is crushed to know what to do, or what not to do. My precious mother tells me to pray. Is this all I can do? – T.S.
A: Our world is obsessed with success. The world has its measures of what it means: financial success, athletic success, business success, professional success, social success, success in gaining popularity. The list is almost as endless as our search. Many people spend their lives pursuing at least one of these goals.
But how does God define success? His measure is very different from the world’s measure, and it can be summed up in one sentence: Success in God’s eyes is faithfulness to His calling.
The Apostle Paul was a failure in the world’s eyes – but not to God. Even Jesus was a failure as far as most people were concerned, but He was faithful to the One who appointed Him – God the Father – and that is all that matters.
May we refrain from comparing ourselves to others who experience success by the worldly standard. Time and the ravages of sin take their toll on noble achievements. We are spiritual paupers without God. There is nothing more valuable than praying for those who need God’s correction and guidance.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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