......bad

 "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:2

 Apple-picking is a favorite family activity, but there are a couple of rules to be followed; for example: pick the large, ripe apples only from the trees and not the "drops" (the ones that have fallen to the ground).

When there is a quota to meet, or a certain amount of apples to be picked in a certain amount of time, it can be very tempting to get ahead by picking through those "good" apples that are on the ground. Although the apples on the ground look appealing, when they fell to the ground, they got bruised. Those bruised apples will rot quickly and will most likely spoil the entire bushel.

Many things in life are like those apples. People — even Christians — work so hard to gain many enjoyable earthly things. But, like those bruised apples, earthly things don't keep. The world defines "good" things as having the best clothes and cars, money, popularity, or a good career. Although those things are nice to have, they only last a short time. 

Doing and choosing things that please God will insure lasting treasure. God desires us to work for eternal, heavenly rewards. Your workplace is more than just a way to earn money, it can also double as a way to share Christ with others. Your actions and attitudes are the biggest testimony we have! God isn't opposed to our successes. But when our success takes God's place in our lives we begin to spoil, and at that point we begin to bear rotten fruit instead of good. 

Jim Elliot once said, "Only one life — 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last".