UNDERSTANDING WHY MEN FAIL - PART 2&3

 UNDERSTANDING WHY MEN FAIL - PART 2&3

3. Cain (Lack of respect for God)

Genesis 4:1-16

Cain was the first descendant of Adam. Being the son of Adam, he had the potential of being the father of the earth if his father Adam had followed through with God; and being that seed that would crush the head of the serpent. He had everything necessary for success yet he failed. He failed because he lacked respect for God. While his brother brought a befitting offer for God, Cain brought whatever he could lay his hands on to God. Abel brought "the first born of the flock and the fat portion" i.e the best he had, Cain brought something of no value accompanied with zero awe and reverence to God. Well we know how it all ended. He ended up being cursed by God himself and he became the father of a cursed race.

How many people nowadays bring the bottom of the barrel to God, while they leave out the precious things? Their valuable time which was supposed to be used in God service, their talent, knowledge, money; serving God only when it is convenient for them, flagrantly disobeying his commandments.  Just like Cain "if you do well, will you not be accepted?" And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; and still expect to be blessed of him. According to God's word in 1Samuel 2:30  "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed".

4. Balaam: (Disobedience to God's will)

Numbers 22:12

Balaam, was a man who was a custodian of the oracles of God. He knew God's call on his life, and he had dedicated his life pursuing that purpose. Yet disobedience to God's revealed will derailed him and eventually destroyed him. He thought he was wiser than God and decided to make a little fortune on the side in total defiance to God's revealed instructions. He met with death down that path. Do you think you are wiser than God? that you can have your cake and eat it? That you can disobey God and go scot-free? When his revealed will says that "thou shall not steal" yet you still involve yourself in Yahoo Yahoo, theft and say Grace will cover you. Be not deceived so says God's word, whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap. When you disobey God,you reap the consequence.

Having looked at this, let us look at those who have experienced success in their lives, career, business, health, marriages etc. but still end up as failures. What could have led to that?

5. Nebuchadnezzar (Pride)

Daniel 4:1-37

Nebuchadnezzar was the ruler of the empire of Babylon, the most powerful man on earth then, consequently the richest if you may say. He was a Paragon of success, a great entrepreneur, a fantastic builder and a world-class leader. Yet this little cankerworm called pride brought him down. No matter the level of greatness a man has achieved, if he allows pride in his life, failure is guaranteed. We must realise that, to maintain success and avoid failure we must constantly acknowledge the source of our success-God.

But something remarkable happened in vs 34-37

Daniel 4:34-37

[34]And at the end of the days [seven years], I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding and the right use of my mind returned to me; and I blessed the Most High [God] and I praised and honored and glorified Him Who lives forever, Whose dominion is an everlasting dominion; and His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

[35]And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing. And He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say to Him, What are You doing?

[36]Now at the same time my reason and understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me, and my counselors and my lords sought me out; I was reestablished in my kingdom, and still more greatness [than before] was added to me.

[37]Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, Whose works are all faithful and right and Whose ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to abase and humble.

When Nebuchadnezzar realised his folly and amended his ways; his wealth, influence and prestige was returned to Him. This shows clearly that if we can learn from these characters and amend our ways by:

-Faithfulness to instructions

-Carefulness in morals

-Having Respect for God

-Obeying God's revealed will and

-Removing Pride from our lives.

Then we are sure to join the league of the exclusive few who enjoy lasting success and then...

Haggai 2:9

_The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts._

Shalom 💕