Devotion 

Getting to the Top

Frances Taylor 

What is so important that we ignore all that Jesus has taught us? Is getting the promotion worth climbing all over others, perhaps stealing their ideas and claiming them as our own? Cheating, lying, and falsifying records! These aren't the only sins committed just to get to the top. In the long run, is it worth it? So many people have gotten a job on false credentials, but when found out they fall from the top to the bottom and have problems getting another job. We make jokes about politicians, but it's no joke when those who want to be our leaders take money for their campaigns from organizations or companies and promise to support their agendas if elected, or if they lie about their opponents.

Fame is another thing that people have been known to want to the detriment of others. There have been assassins who just wanted their name to go down in infamy and had no compassion for those they killed. Whether it's fame, fortune, or power, there will always be people who will do anything to get it. I don't know how people justify bad behavior so easily, but considering the scandals revealed practically every day, there are those who don't seem to worry about it. I'm afraid we can easily encourage some bad behavior by treating scandals as entertainment.

This passage is a good reminder of what is truly important – eternal life. We have been given all we need to achieve that goal, and nothing is worth having that could make us lose it.

Prayer 

Loving God, may we always keep our eyes on what is most important and that is spending eternity with you. May we follow the path that leads to you and ignore the temptation of the world. Amen.