The Definition of Success
February 18, 2019 by Peter Lundell
Filed under Daily Devotions, Family
One day when I was overworked and stressed, I snapped at my daughter. Later I imagined her growing up and not taking God seriously because she had not seen the life-transforming power of God in her dad’s life—because he was stressed from trying to be successful. If that happened, the life-transforming message would be worthless.
Later I imagined myself going to heaven and God asking me how many books I sold—and He bestowed my eternal reward because I sold a lot. Yeah, bad joke. If what I write or say makes an eternal difference to people, or if I personally make an eternal difference to people, then God may give me the “well done good and faithful servant” line.
At the end of our lives, only one opinion will matter. Not mom’s or dad’s or husband’s or wife’s; not the boss’s, the pastor’s, or the friend’s. Only God’s. That’s an opinion we should pay attention to.
In the face of this ultimate reality, what’s your definition of success?
Isn’t being a blessing a way to be a success? If you bless people, you’ll probably gain success, however you define it.
That’s good but we can do even better. What’s God’s definition of success? The span of Scripture suggests that it has mostly to do with loving God and loving people—Jesus’ two greatest commands (Matthew 22:36–40). In this sense, being a blessing doesn’t only lead to success (although it does). More than that, being a blessing is the very definition of success. They equal each other.
Think about that.
Our life purpose then would circle around questions like, “Given my life and what I do, how can I best be connected to my Creator? And because of that, how can I be a blessing to others?”
What’s your answer?
PRAYER: Lord, too often I have failed or succeeded in ways that have nothing to do with You or what Your Word teaches. Too often I’ve let the world define the way I think. Through Your Word and Spirit, work deep within me Your mind, Your will, and Your ways.
“Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the scriptures or the power of God,” Matthew 22:29 NET.
Today’s devotion is by Peter Lundell, author of Prayer Power. A rising new voice on connecting with God, he is a pastor, Bible college teacher, and conference speaker. Visit him at www.PeterLundell.com for his inspirational “Connections” and free downloads of articles, parables, short stories, and book chapters.
Peter Lundell, author of Prayer Power and other books, is a writer, pastor, and Bible college teacher. At www.PeterLundell.com you can see his books, subscribe to his inspirational “Connections,” and get free downloads of many articles, parables, and short stories.