All of us want to be successful in our own way. We want God to bless us and we want people to honor us. Some people only care for one or the other – there are people who declare that they only care about God’s blessing and then there are people who live only for the applause of people. The Bible actually tells us to have both – Proverbs 3 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. In the Old Testament we hear of young Samuel finding “favor both with the Lord and men.” Also, in the New Testament we hear of Jesus that He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” As a husband I want both for my marriage. As a father I want both for my marriage and my children. As a pastor and Bible student I want both for our church and the kingdom of God.