1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ (John 3:1-7 – English Standard Version)
Nicodemus is a religiously successful man. He is a man of the Pharisees who dedicated his life in obeying God’s commandments. He is not only a man of the Pharisees, he is a ruler of the Jews. He is the top among the religious group. He is someone with authority. This successful man came to Jesus one night seeking for an answer of a spiritual question. How would you define success? If you are successful, would you take the initiative to seek for help? Would you be able to see your limitations? Nicodemus was able to humble himself and went to see Jesus. When we are not successful, we may find ways to achieve success. Among all the ways to succeed, seeking help from Jesus may be at the bottom of the list. I am in the process of changing career as I am totally unsatisfied with my career and my life in general. I see limitations and barriers to progress. I see the need and urge to change. I decided the first thing that I need to do is to network. I start spending more time on LinkedIn. I start going to Toastmaster Club. I start talking to people and share my desperation for a change. The story of Nicodemus reminds me of one thing. One significant thing. First step to success is to seek God, regardless of my own definition of success. Since I have determined for a career change, I have been so excited about working towards my career development. I start seeing opportunities and potentials rather than limitations and barriers. However, I am losing sight of the involvement of God. Although I know what I should and what I can do, I need the guidance from the above. My rebirth needs to start from God. You may also pursuing something important in your life. But never lose sight of God. He is the One in control. Without His help and direction, the chance to succeed would be slim.
