A Different Measure of Sucess

Success is in the eye of the beholder—God’s or your own—suggests Janet Camilleri. And the good news is, God’s idea of success is within everyone’s reach.

Ask a group to define “success” and the answers will most likely relate to some material achievement. They might say finding fame and fortune; attaining excellence in your field; winning, or exploring the unknown as a pioneer; becoming a self-made millionaire (the younger the better); living the lifestyle of the wealthy (cars, luxurious home, exotic holidays, designer clothes); a high-profile career; owning a profitable business, real estate or other investments; or having a string of academic letters after your name.
Yet God views things quite differently. So what is the difference between the world’s formula for and definition of success and how God sees prosperity?

Society’s definition of success is based on what others think about you.

God, on the other hand, says that while humankind looks at the outward appearance, He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). “It’s what’s inside that counts” is more than a cliché! Your motivations, private thoughts and feelings, desires and goals are what God uses to measure success.

In his first letter to the Corinthians (chapter 12), Paul reminds us that the quiet achievers—the behind-the-scenes workers—are just as important as high-profile personalities. This is true in the body of Christ, just as in the human body. As The Message puts it: “If you had to choose, wouldn’t you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair?” Being on show or doing glamorous things is not necessary to get ahead in God’s kingdom.

The successful person in God’s eyes may never have their name in the headlines, make a million or win an award. The preacher Charles Spurgeon said it is the person who toils, rejoicing in his God, and believing with all his heart, that has success guaranteed.

Success in the world is determined by comparison—your achievement is measured against that of others.

From your first day in school, your results are compared to others, plotted on a “bell curve,” which shows your position in relation to others in your class. So even when you score 95 per cent on an exam, you’re still not guaranteed an A. You receive that only if you score among the top 10 per cent of your class.

God, on the other hand, isn’t interested in what others are doing, but rather what you’ve done with what you’ve been given. When Peter asked what the future held for one of the other disciples, Jesus bluntly replied, “What’s that to you? You—follow me” (John 21:22, The Message). Some people do have more talent and opportunities, but don’t forget that Jesus taught that the more we’re given the more that’s expected.

Worldly success is temporary; successful Christian living is eternal.

Think about the movie star who’s won an Oscar or the athlete who’s won Olympic gold. Once they’ve reached the pinnacle, the only way is down! God’s version of success is the only one that lasts forever. It won’t leave the bitterness or regret like other success can.

We all know somebody who’s devoted their life to career, business or selfish pursuit, losing family, friendships, reputation and even health in the process.

Success in the world is for an elite few; but true success is within everybody’s reach!

Who was voted “most-likely-to-succeed” in your class? The girl who took this accolade in mine was intelligent, gifted musically, outgoing, determined, articulate and good-looking as well! Thankfully, these attributes aren’t necessary to achieve success in God’s kingdom. Instead, God is looking for qualities of character, which is something anyone can—and should—develop.

Successful Christian living isn’t measured in dollar terms but by such personal qualities as obedience, faithfulness, loyalty and perseverance. While our society hails the latest overnight success, Paul reminds us that what really counts is to keep on keeping on (2 Timothy 4:8). Or, as he puts it his letter to the Colossians, “Whatever you do, work at it with all you heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (3:23).

Or, as John Maxwell puts it, success is knowing my purpose in life, growing to my maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.

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