What is God’s definition of success?

Whether it’s grades or a piece of jewelry, or a job title, we all have ideas about what it means to be a successful person.

Early on, we were told it was a certain car, a certain degree—and that image stuck. If I asked you to picture someone successful, what would that person look like to you? For many, that person would be rich, well-dressed, wearing a nice watch and cool sneakers, hopping on a private jet for a private island vacation, all while being filmed.

Go to any event, and whoever’s courtside or backstage, they must be successful. Fly, and you’ll likely walk by a group of people who are in first class and think, “They must be successful.” Perhaps you follow some people on social media with a significant amount of followers, and for you, that looks successful.

A study of lottery winners found that winning the lottery, the literal metaphor we use for the best thing that can happen to us, didn’t make them happier.

Instead, the winners adapted to their new circumstances, and the bar was raised. That dissatisfaction chases all of us, especially if we haven’t been analytical about where our goals came from. Our definition of success can come from our family, friends, or our environment, but sometimes we don't pause long enough to ask what God's definition of success is.

We see what really mattered to Jesus and what he thought was successful in the gospels.

When Jesus encountered a rich young ruler, this was a guy who had everything most people want: youthfulness, wealth, and authority. Except Jesus wasn't impressed. The young man goes on to tell Jesus he's done well with the ten commandments. At this point, I think we'd all say this guy is checking every box of what it means to be a successful Christian. And then Jesus tells him, "go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven."

Treasure in heaven? Let's be honest. Most of us are looking for treasure on earth. The biggest difference between our definition of success and God's is ours is temporary, and God's is eternal. Our definition of success is primarily centered around getting, and God's definition of success is centered around giving.

I think Jesus is brilliant when he said in Acts 20:35, "It's better to give than receive." What do you think is better: Making six figures a year or giving six figures a year? This isn't about money as much as it is about a mindset toward how we want to live on the earth.

In Matthew 25, Jesus gives a parable about three servants who were entrusted with different amounts of resources, "each according to his ability." The success of each of those servants was measured by what they did with what they were given. We all have been given a different amount of resources to maximize our potential and no one else's.

What has God given you? And how can you leverage that to make a difference in the world around you and glorify God?

Prayer

God, when tempted to get my definition of success from someone or somewhere else, may you always bring me back to the purpose you have for my life. Today, I surrender myself and my agenda to You.

Let the scriptures I read today fill my soul, stir my spirit, and inspire the way I live today.