In September 1985 there was a celebration at a New Orleans municipal pool. The party was held to celebrate the first summer in memory without a drowning at any New Orleans city pool. In honor of the occasion, two hundred people gathered, including one hundred certified lifeguards. As the party was breaking up and the four lifeguards on duty began to clear the pool, they found a fully dressed body in the deep end. They tried to revive the 31-year-old man, but it was too late. He had drowned surrounded by lifeguards celebrating their successful season.

Success is good – as long as it does not cause us to “let down our guard.” Paul wrote to the Corinthian brethren about the Israelites who had every spiritual advantage given to them to succeed yet still died in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:1-11). He then stated, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (:12). Instead of becoming content with past success, it should serve as a platform on which we continue to build. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (15:58). In spite of past success, keep abounding in the work of the Lord – there will be plenty time to party when this life is over.

Have a great week in His service!