Success is a privilege.
Not a requirement.
The blessings you have are gifts. Gifts are granted by the giver. It's a way to show appreciation and love. As you are celebrated in life, it is important to understand the origin of the people, places and things you cherish.
[God]
The Master of our lives grants every blessing. Whatever makes you smile the brightest, was granted by Him. And because He loves to see you smile, He needs you to know...
[God Giveth]
He gives because that is who He is. Simple right? He is good, He loves and He is love. For those experiencing the highest of heights in their relationship with God, understand that His love is the most powerful entity in the world. With His giving heart, He expects in return, your love, obedience and willingness to give to others. It pains God to see His people unwilling to be used for His good. Rejecting His direction as you reap from the benefits of His blessings, will cause Him to take away what was once yours.
[God Giveth and God Taketh Away]
It is your duty to pay it forward. You achieved nothing on your own, even if you do not acknowledge the presence of God in your life. Whatever you revel in, can be stripped away in a hurry. As we share the earth with one another, we also share the responsibility of living a just and righteous life. We are expected to help and to give. It's the least we can do, to show gratitude for our blessings. Falter on this responsibility and you will lose everything.
[To whom much is given...much is required]
At one point, Bernie Maddof was worth $823 Million. He was a wealthy business owner and profoundly respected. This is now the past, because living a life full of lies catches up to you.
Bernie's actions proved to be a heavy burden pushing him to confess his crimes.
He lost his wealth, business, respect.
He also lost his family and freedom.
[Thou shall not steal]
The money he accumulated was stolen not earned. For years, Mr. Maddoff conducted a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme.
With blessings come responsibility. With responsibility comes honor. And with honor comes God's grace.
Bernie mismanaged his blessings and spent decades disobeying God's instruction.
Are you honoring your blessings?
Continue to value God's word and your cup will runneth over. Misappropriate, mishandle or cheapen the blessings of God; and you will surely lose it all.
Even one of the richest men in the world couldn't shield himself from God's striking hand.
For the rest of his life, Bernie will never be free again. His entire family dismantled, while behind bars. Both adult sons are now dead and buried; for the sins of their fathers were too heavy of a burden to carry.
Disobedience can impact the one's you love the most.
As you live in harmony, remember the gifts you possess are a privilege.
Be thankful. Be grateful and pay it forward.
You are not the gift giver, you are the gift bearer.
Uphold your gifts well.
#IdasAngel