What is success?

How do you see success? The world sees it as fame and fortune, and sadly many believers hold that view as well. When we observe many of the so-called “successful” people in the world we see they have many problems. Many of them are either bitterly unhappy, addicted to drugs, have a string of dysfunctional relationships and many of them even commit suicide. They may have fame and fortune, and they may be successful in what they are doing vocation-wise but they are not successful in themselves.

“26 For even if you were to gain all the wealth and power of this world with everything it could offer you—at the cost of your own life—what good would that be? And what could be more valuable to you than your own soul?”
Matthew 16:26 The Passion Translation (TPT)

What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul? This could refer to your emotional wellbeing – joy and happiness. It’s unwise (foolish, actually) to sacrifice your health, marriage, family or growing in your relationship with the Lord simply because you’re working so hard to try and become “successful.” If you’re so busy working that you do not have time for much else, you are not a success. Yes, hard work is necessary but we need to keep our priorities straight and not sacrifice our primary calling (to look after ourselves, our spouses, families and grow in relationship with the Lord) for our secondary calling (vocation and even ministry).

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Romans 12:1-2 Amplified Bible (AMP)

God’s will for you is spiritual maturity which comes as a result of choosing to be a living sacrifice (saying “Yes” to Jesus and to His will) and changing your thinking (belief) to align with God’s values and way of doing things. If your heart changes and you start to see things right and believe right, you will start to see the right fruit in your life. Success comes from the inside out. Success isn’t stuff and having lots of it – success is found in a life-giving relationship with Christ and in living for Him.