“And he said: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3

Did you ever, as a child, jump into a lake or pool … and suddenly realize it was deeper than you expected?

Your feet, used to solid ground, felt nothing beneath. Serious alarm, even panic, set in. Could you stay afloat? Could you keep your head above water?

You might have kicked wildly. Thrashed your arms. Been ready to yell for help … when Mom’s or Dad’s comforting arms plucked you to safety.

You were never in real danger. Your parent knew this. But YOU didn’t.

All you knew was the emptiness beneath your feet … and fear.

As adults, we don’t worry about literally drowning. Most of us know how to swim, or rarely get near water.

Still, are you “drowning” in a metaphorical sense? Too many obligations overwhelming you? Financial challenges? Fractured family relationships? Wandering through life with no sense of purpose?

This “drowning” might not kill us. Yet it manifests itself in other ways: stress and anxiety. Accumulating material goods. Drinking or substance abuse. Lying awake at night.

Be strong, and ask for help

As young children, we are dependent on our parents for everything. We have no choice.

As adults, we pride ourselves on independence. But if we’re drowning, we need help. Asking for help isn’t a bad thing.

For many, though, it’s humbling – which again, isn’t a bad thing. Scripture proves the worth of humbling oneself. Consider these passages:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” – James 4:10

“The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.” – Psalm 147:6

“Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” – Proverbs 3:34

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12

Finally, entrance into Heaven itself relies on humbling oneself like a child:

“… but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14

Enter the Kingdom, humbly

News flash (if needed): Entering the kingdom of Heaven isn’t about accomplishments or possessions. It’s not a meritocracy. Forget your resume.

Finding favor with God is about admitting our faults, our sins, our shortcomings, and asking for help. It’s humbling yourself in the most humble way possible. Fall on your knees, bare your soul and admit you can’t do it alone.

When we allow ourselves to be wholly dependent on God, His arms lift us from the pit we were drowning in. The ground beneath our feet is solid again. His warm embrace fills us with safety and security.

It only happens, though, when we humble ourselves … totally and completely.

Are you drowning? It’s easy to quickly feel “underwater.” Don’t panic. Don’t thrash. It’s OK, though, to yell to the heavens, to tell God you’re letting go, and asking Him to take charge.

The path forward might not be clear. So, like a child trusting a parent, rely on God to lead you. Walk in faith, and you’ll never feel the emptiness beneath again.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” – 1 Peter 4:10

We all know him (or her): the guy (or gal) who gets all the breaks. They enjoy success after success. Doors just seem to open. Opportunities are never in short supply.

Human nature, being what it is, would incline us toward jealousy. Why aren’t we as fortunate as them? Why does everything go right for him (or her)?

Except, we aren’t just anyone. We are God’s people. We look at situations through God’s lens … and a different perspective emerges. Often, it’s one that deepens our faith, and improves us as people.

God blesses us all with unique talents and abilities. We are his works of art, filled with brilliant master strokes and a palette like no other. His gifts to us are beyond number.

Are you a good steward of what God has entrusted to you? Are you using his blessings to create success, and glorify His name in the highest?

Is it possible – even just a little – that the person for whom you’re feeling a twinge of jealousy is doing a better job?

Use your talents

In the Parable of the Talents, recited in Matthew 25:14-30 (and a different version in Luke 19:11-26), Jesus tells of a man who, before leaving on a long trip, entrusted three servants with sums of money.

Two worked and invested, growing the money. One buried his share, fearing his master’s wrath if he lost some.

The master, upon his return, lavished praise on the first two for their industriousness.

He chastised the third, calling him “wicked and lazy,” and gave his money to one of the other two servants.

The master explained his actions:

“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” – Matthew 25:29

At first glance, this seems like a very un-Jesus-like thing to say. Wasn’t he the protector of the poor, a devotee to the downtrodden?

Western biblical scholars have interpreted this, though, as Jesus instructing us to not let our God-given abilities lie fallow. Doing so results in having less than before. If one was of menial means to start, the impact is even more devastating.

If someone is doing better in life, could it be they’re using God’s endowments more fruitfully?

Cap it off

Consider a box of markers. You open a new package. Each marker draws deep, vibrant lines. It’s a joy to use them. Once finished, you replace caps to keep the markers fresh.

Except, you drop a couple. You don’t notice, because your phone is ringing, or it’s time for dinner, or the dog is dancing at the door. The markers roll under the couch.

You find them a week later. No caps in sight. The markers are dried out. Useless. Done.

God’s gifts to us are like these markers. Left unused, they go to waste. Their once-great potential is never realized. A work of art that might have been made, and changed the world, is never created.

Are you putting caps on your markers?

Recognize the skills God has provided you. Use these talents to honor Him. Step out in faith. The time is now.

What chances can you take to fully use your unique abilities? Is God calling you to do so, and you haven’t paid attention?

It’s never too late. Even a little faith can go a long way. It renews us, heals us and energizes us. God has blessed all of us with the power to do great things.

The guy (or gal) who seems to have it all together? Maybe they’re just better at capping their markers.

You, though, might discover a whole new set. Who knows what you’ll create? Do so to the glory of God, and never worry about losing another marker again.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)