But the thing about success is that it’s not one size fits all. There’s no right answer. There’s no secret recipe. It’s entirely relative. And at a very young age, we align ourselves and our peers on our very own, personalized, ever-changing, sliding scale of achievement.

I fear that as Christian’s we allow the line that separates earthly success and the unconditional love of God to fade, allowing the two to run together, not only polluting God’s pure affections toward humans but hardening our own hearts against anyone who doesn’t measure up to our made up standards. Is the American Christian inspiring the pursuit of the American Dream or the pursuit of the Kingdom of Heaven?

Josh reiterated this past week in service that “We’re called to bless our neighbors, not convert them.” I want to run with this and add “or attempt to make them more like you.”

We’re not called to make people more middle class. Being poor isn’t a sin. Being on government assistance isn’t a sin. Having an old, rusty, loud car isn’t a sin. Not being able to make ends meet isn’t a sin. Begging isn’t a sin. Minimum wage isn’t a sin.

We’re not called to help people become better housekeepers. Having a messy home isn’t a sin. Having a dandelion covered lawn isn’t a sin. Having old carpet isn’t a sin. Having leaks in your roof isn’t a sin. Living in a car or a tent or a shelter isn’t a sin.

We’re not called to make people more attractive. Having stained, battered clothing isn’t a sin. Having body odor isn’t a sin. Not being able to get regular haircuts isn’t a sin. Being “overweight” isn’t a sin. Being “underweight” isn’t a sin.

We’re not called to make people more educated. Not having a high school diploma or college degree isn’t a sin. Not knowing how to read isn’t a sin. Not speaking English isn’t a sin.

We’re not called to make people more entertaining. Mourning isn’t a sin. Being overwhelmed isn’t a sin. Being sad isn’t a sin. Being sick isn’t a sin.

We are no one's savior. Our way of doing life isn’t the goal. “Come as you are, but don’t stay as you are,” isn’t translated to “Be like me!” A person's hope, value, and worthiness is not found in their ability to appear like they have it all together.

As followers of Jesus, we’re only called to love like Jesus loved. Jesus loves people who are hard to love. Jesus showed respect and preference to outcasts. Jesus blessed those who could do nothing for Him in return.

In Acts 10:34-35, Peter says “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.” Poverty is acceptable to Him. Messiness is acceptable to Him. He is not partial to well pressed clothes that smell like Tide. He is not partial to Masters degrees and 401K’s. I hope this verse realigns the way you love others with the way God loves others, but also with the way God loves you and the way you love yourself. You are acceptable to God too.

I pray you receive this message knowing that it is just as much for me as it is for anyone. I pray that God would give us the ability to see all people through the lens that He sees them through. Because when God looks at us, He sees Jesus. Friend, someday you may come across someone who sees Jesus for the first time through you. Don’t let yourself interfere.