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I Chronicles 21:1-2 says: "Now Satan entered the scene and seduced David into taking a census."  In verse 8, David confesses his sin---substituting statistcs for trust.And verse 14 - God sent an epidemic and it took the lives of 70,000!  70,000!!! How could David deal with God taking the lives of 70,000 because of his sin?  David could smell the stench of death surrounding him at his expense for his arrogance. 70,000 lifeless warriors, abandoned parents, innocent children. Gone in one decision.  So what did David do?  David lifts forgiven eyes upward and humbly prays in verses I Chronicles 21: 16-17:  "Please!" with his head bowed, heart broken, and body covered in rough burlap. God walked with David in victory and defeat. What about the numbers game in our own churches and ministries today?  Do we do the same "substitutes for trust"?  Do we think it's success if 70,000 people respond while we are giving glory to God.  We honor those churches where 5,000 congregate. 

I wonder if those who respond really change? Or do they live their lives secretly disdaining their neighbors, sweetly demanding their children respond a certain way, and slyly distancing themselves from their spouse.  I read Phil 1:21 this morning:  "For me to live is Christ.  For me to really live is what?  Numbers that prove my ministry is really something.  Success that stamps me on the map.  Recognition that I've done well with my life.  Crabb puts it this way:
"We understand that progress on the journey is not measured by conventional external measures like:
achievement, prosperity or health
OR by conventional internal measures like:
self-esteem, social comfort, or recognition...
What therefore is wrong with each of us is
PASSIONATE ATTACHMENT TO THE WRONG THING.
For me to live is something other than knowing Christ better, enjoying Him more deeply, becoming more like Him, and revealing Him more clearly.
For me to live is ____________________________ ."

So where am I today?