Acts 16:11-15 NKJV

[11] Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, [12] and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. [13] And on the Sabbath day, we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. [14] Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. [15] And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

Lydia, until today, was someone I knew nothing about. After doing a deeper dive into her backstory, I discovered that she was a merchant of fine linens. Purple fabric was a symbol of wealth and royalty in Asia Minor. Given her apparent clientele, Lydia was most likely a wealthy, successful, and influential businesswoman. She is also considered the first recorded Christian convert in Europe.

Her wealth and influence, although useful for furthering the Kingdom, did not make her useful for a Kingdom purpose. God doesn't not seek servants based on their social status or the balance in their financial accounts. The quality worth mentioning that she possessed had absolutely nothing to do with her background or her business. She worshiped God.

Having a network of people is important. Being financially stable does make life, to some degree, easier, but God doesn't need our money or a list of contacts from a rolodex. Our usefulness has everything to do with our hearts. When we learn how to openly worship God, especially in front of others, we replace the things of this world with an otherworldly relationship with our Creator. All our "belongings" are set aside, and we embrace belonging to a loving Father. I appreciate what I have, but all of it belonged to God first. I appreciate knowing people and being known, but I appreciate being known by God more. I don't worship what I own. I worship the Lord.