Mammon and power are the ruling strongholds of the marketplace. If you possess either of these, you will be courted by those who serve the marketplace in hopes of increasing market share. It is a competitive environment that often gives way to decisions and actions that are dictated by the financial bottom line. A recent newspaper article cited how employers were requiring workers to put more time in at their jobs, often requiring weekend work in order to be more competitive. For the Christian worker, this brings pressures on the family and will result in "lost market share" in the spiritual realm.
The Lord has a different measuring stick. The Lord is not impressed with your ability or what you can do for Him. There is only one thing that delights Him — people who fear Him and put their hope in his unfailing love. What does it mean to fear God and place our hope in His love? It means we acknowledge that God is the source of all that we are. He is the one that gives us the ability to work, plan and execute. He does not want us to look to our abilities, but His abilities. Sometimes it is difficult to balance these two perspectives. However, if we ask God to show us how to maintain this balance, He will do it. Put your hope in His unfailing love today. Then you will know that your Heavenly Father is looking upon you as a proud father.