Bahruny Choi - OTR Team

Today's devotional talks about the distinction between success and character, using a moment in the kingship of Saul as an example.  I think we can all relate to this battle in our hearts; as we experience success with our abilities, it can be pretty difficult to truly welcome God into that realm.  I think about those pro athletes who speak at post-game interviews and always say "First, I want to thank God" after a victory.  Sometimes, I have to wonder: "are they just saying that?  or do they really attribute God to their success?".  Interestingly enough, you never hear pro athletes thank God after losing a game.  But I digress...

Here are a couple of thoughts from today's devotional that stood out to me:

1. "...even as the Holy Spirit worked through him, the Spirit of God never worked in him."
At first, this statement in the devotional didn't really sit right with me because I thought "working through" and "working in" meant the same thing when it comes to the Holy Spirit.  However, the account of Saul's first act of kingship proves that a distinction can actually be made.  The Holy Spirit worked through Saul for the ultimately goal of freeing the people of Jabesh.   On the other hand, Saul's violent approach to achieve that end points to deeper character issues.

2.  In my own personal battle between success and character, success wins out many times.

When I think about the times when I succeed (and/or fall short), I also notice a correlation between my success and my mood / character.  When I succeed, I have confidence and a positive outlook on life.  This ends up being a cycle of positivity...until it doesn't.  When I experience failure, I quickly change my tune.  If Christ is my center, then I think the balance between success and character should shift more the other way.  Regardless of what I have or what I lack, God loves me as His child and I should proceed in faith.  I have a good feeling that this particular battle is going to be pretty real in this summer's missions experience.