There’s a vast difference between how we measure success and how God measures it. We tend to build our standards on comparisons. To us, whatever appears bigger, grander, and more beautiful – must be better. Yet God’s standard for greatness reaches past what is outwardly displayed. It goes deep into what is not seen by others – into the motives and intents of our hearts. If they measure up to, and reflect His own, He considers them more valuable than all the wealth and riches this world has to offer.
The way we think and act when others aren’t watching holds more weight to Him than our outward displays of generosity and excellence – when they are based on incorrect or insincere motives. Being honest, pure, and completely dependent on Him at the core of who we are, is what makes us rich. Unless this is the foundation of the good works we produce, our efforts – no matter how grand – are of little value to God’s Kingdom. When they go through the fire of adversity, they will have nothing to sustain them.
Only things birthed from, and built on the heart of God will remain vital and true. Let the Lord be the master builder in your life – He’ll produce fruit that is truly rich, according to His heavenly standards.