Everyone I know strives for some level of success. Whether it’s climbing the career ladder or raising kids, we pursue favorable outcomes. In this mindset I’ve been encouraged to learn from my failures and try again. As (mostly successful) people have told me—failure should be your friend. My retort—but not my only friend.

Moses led a great expedition, filled with dangerous unknowns, and so pursued the Lord’s backing for success: Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Moses prayed for the Lord to lay the foundations of success for the Hebrew people. He understood that without God’s patronage his wandering nation faced disaster in the wilderness, whether by starvation or conquest or going back to slavery in Egypt.

You and I can pray in the same way. We can ask the Lord to prosper the work of our hands. It may be a new business venture or planting a row of blackberries. Perhaps it involves family or friends or your church community. Regardless, like Moses, ask the Lord for the ability to get started, for sound planning, and for the wisdom to move forward.

Psalm 90:17

Photo by Pauline Bernard

I like some people more than others. I liked my girlfriend so much I married her—best decision ever. I meet a lot of people in my line of work. Some I lean towards, enjoying a conversation and discovering mutual interests. I prefer quick-witted and funny. Others come across as aloof or distant. Of course, I may present to them as an odd little man, so I cannot complain if things don’t click.

It’s easy to find myself partial to someone and standoffish to another. Fortunately, the Good Lord holds no standards on who is hip and who is not. In a teaching to overseers and servants, Paul reminds the folks in charge that the same God is Lord over both master and slave. Indeed, there is no partiality with Him.

We treat each other with respect and dignity because we are all creatures of the living God. He imbues us with value. Our standing in this world changes that naught. The wealthy, the poor, the wise, the foolish, the addict on the street and the tycoon on his yacht all stand before the Lord on equal footing. We’re made from the same simple dust of the earth. No one springs from super-dust laced with sprinkles.

God loves me, but God is not overly enamored with me compared with anyone else. I’m cherished in his eyes, as is everyone else I meet. One reason Jesus told us to do unto others as you would have done unto you is because we walk among highly valuable people. I pray that the Lord helps me remember this truth, and moves me to treat each and every person I meet with the respect and grace they deserve.

Ephesians 6:5-9

Photo by Mandy Naleli

I once enjoyed a dinner like no other at an outdoor restaurant in Mexico. Fabulous food, braziers of coals heating our backs, peacocks strutting between the tables. The restaurant served other patrons as well, but I enjoyed the food and the company and the service so much that it left a wonderful impression and I now describe it in superfluous language. It was unparalleled to me.

One of a kind. Unmatched. Unique. Unequaled. I toss such descriptions around as I search for ways to describe fascinating people and enjoyable experiences.

Paul reminds me that God is one of a kind: There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

One God is over all and through all and in all—only one. A solitary path ascends to the top of the mountain—only one. An exclusive gate opens to heaven—only one.

There’s only one God. Try as people might to squirm out of this reality, the truth remains. Only one God exists and it’s not me, nor is God found in any other religion or creed or belief system. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

Only one.

Ephesians 4:4-6

Photo by Jordan Steranka

I’ll admit that I’m guilty of enjoying snarky comments. Who doesn’t like a good mocking? Social media allows me to peer without partaking. The voyeuristic impulse to watch others self-destruct lies only a few clicks away. But even if I only observe, a corroding influence still splashes over.

Paul wrote to a group of Jesus-followers, encouraging them on right ways of living. He included this thought: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

I rarely spout harsh or dishonest words. I’m good at keeping my mouth shut in most situations. But that doesn’t mean I don’t take sly pleasure when others launch sarcastic attacks. Sometimes the truth should be spoken. But in our world innuendo and deceit bury the truth, making it difficult to sort right from wrong.

I can choose where my eyeballs roam. Social media jabber that bashes another does me no good. Even if I don’t say it, and haven’t even thought it until I read it, such interactions corrupt my nature, and subvert the work of grace in my life.

If we took away all the soiled blather from our feeds we’d not have much left—which would be just fine. We’re better off with a book or out on a walk. Corrosive talk, in all forms, tears down. Let us ask the Lord to make us better at building up, and spreading the grace of God to all who will hear.

Ephesians 4:29

Photo by Zsolt Palatinus