A best selling book…
Perfect marks at school…
Awards, trophies and accolades…
A business that has thriving profit margins…
A viral blog post…
An organization that has doubled in size and reach…
Often times these types of achievements are directly connected to the idea of success. If a person is somehow able to harness profit, prestige, notoriety, power and the like in their life then they are considered successful. They have reached the top of the mountain. They are the very best at what they do!
What’s Success?
On the surface the above listed attributes are success. But as Christ followers we are stuck in a peculiar position. Are we going to define success this way, as the world defines it, or are we going to define success according to the ways the Bible defines it? We have a choice to make. One endorses promotions, social media followers and speaking engagements while the other supports godly character, humility and obedience. [1]
Now, it is important to pause and be reminded that there is nothing inherently wrong with achievements like growing a business or publishing articles, in fact those are often worth celebrating over; but we must always remember that if we “succeed”—at anything—it is only because our abundantly gracious God has allowed us, for His glory.[2]
Where the Bible differs in definition
Jesus was the total opposite of what we today would call successful. He didn’t have a home, He didn’t have a wife, He didn’t have the label of a king or the security of a loaded bank account, and He wasn’t even very well liked. – He was worldly unsuccessful.[2] But Jesus never promised a glamorous lifestyle, in fact He promised almost the opposite: “Pick up your crosses and follow me” (Matt 16:24-26) “Whoever wants to be the greatest has to be a servant” (Mark 10:43-45)
In line with the life and teachings of Jesus, success is not about money, numbers, buildings, titles, rankings or press coverage but rather fruit. And the fruit that the Bible has in mind is the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians. 5:22. What would happen if we defined and re-calibrated our lives towards this kind of success? Am I a loving person, joyful and a peacemaker? How do I handle adversity – with faith or despair? Would I be considered kind, good and faithful? Is there a gentleness that surrounds me; am I self-controlled? Furthermore, the qualifications of leadership as outlined by the apostle Paul say nothing of the ability to speak, market yourself, write or inspire. But it says much about a spirit of humility and a godly character. [2]
Listen, I am not pretending that this recalibration is easy. It’s not. The world puts a lot of pressure on us to compare ourselves to others, and it’s frightening how easily that can happen. But God is good and it’s only his definition that will last for eternity.
To further bolster the contrast between definitions of success here are a few summary statements that helped me.
Man’s definition versus God’s definition[1]
Man says: Successful people devote themselves to their goals.
God says: Successful people devote themselves to Me and I establish their plans.
Man says: Successful people are independent and self-made.
God says: Successful people acknowledge their insufficiency and strive to do things in My strength
Man says: Successful people do what it takes to get ahead and stay trending
God says: Successful people maintain their integrity.
Man says: Rich people are successful
God says: Obedient people are successful.
Man says: Successful people aren’t satisfied with being mediocre. They’re constantly doing the next best thing, and achieving promotions.
God says: Successful people are thankful for where they are, and allow Me to elevate them. They are guided by My Spirit.
(More description of these statements can be found here link)
Where do we go from here?
If I could sum up some of the things I have learned as I have explored this topic I would say this;
- Satan is constantly trying to deceive our minds. Each day is a battle to not fall prey to the idol of personal achievement.
- As Christians we need to be rooted in God’s truth. In order to do so we must keep God’s word in us and constantly before us. We need renewed minds! (Rom. 12:1-2)
- Obedience! We need to apply God’s truth to our lives. A successful person not only hears the word of God but acts on it.
- As Christians we must not be deceived in thinking that ministry growth and success is equivalent to fruitfulness.
- We have been created to do good works (Eph 2:10) Thus, we need to use and steward the gifts and resources that God has given us! In doing so, be fully reminded that the goal is not worldly success but Biblical fruitfulness.
- Finally, success is about knowing God. In Philippians 3, Paul recalls what he had once perceived as success: his heritage, his advancement, his reputation. But, then in verse 8, he distinguishes true success. Paul says, “… I count all things as loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” [3]
Together we can encourage each other on!
My prayer is that as we seek to grow in “pursuing God’s ways” we will find ourselves pursuing a Godly definition of success. That our hearts will resist the temptation to measure success by worldly standards and embrace the freedom and peace that comes with pursuing to be successful in Christ. Let’s encourage each other in this area! I am praying for each of us in this journey!
Growth Point:
Biblical success is very different from worldly success and focuses on character over power and prestige.
Scripture Point:
Read Galatians 5:22. Review the fruits of the Spirit and ask God to reveal which characteristics you most need to grow in
Action Point:
Take 20 minutes and consider this question: “At the end of your life how will you know you’ve succeeded?” How does this answer change the way you live the rest of this week, month, year?
Great reminder of whom we are called to be in Christ.
ONCE again, Reconciled World has blesed my life.
Thanks, John Ward. And thanks also to Stefan and Neeru Eiicher for keeping me on their monthly newsletter i
e-mail list. .