What Is Success?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+9:24&version=NIV1984

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%201:7-8&version=NASB

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:4-5&version=NIV1984

What is success?  This is an age-old question for sure.  Down through the centuries people have struggled to answer this.  It is a question that is asked very often in our culture.  Companies want to know if they are being successful.  Non-profits wants to know if they are being successful.  Individuals want to know if they are being successful.  It seems that there is this deep-seated need that we all have to know that we are accomplishing something.  That we doing more than existing.  That we are realizing our potential.  And our purpose.

Of course, the answer to ‘What is success?’ depends upon whom you ask.  One person defines success in terms of income.  Another in terms of popularity.  Still another in terms of possessions.  Or in terms of relationships.  And society would define success in still different terms.  Is the environment being protected?  How consistent are the dividends?  How many championships have been won?  How many units have been sold?  

As Christians, we all know there is a difference between our values and the values of the world.  So what is success for us?  Is it being consistent in our devotions?  Is it how familiar with are with the Bible?  Is it having a happy marriage?  Children who know and serve the Lord?  Leading someone to Christ?  Just exactly how do we define success?

Yesterday I read the following about this subject in my devotional.  “A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Jesus even if many things remain undone at the end of the day.”  OK.  That’s probably not the definition that most of us would have come up with.  But I like it.  I like it because I believe that it really gets to the heart of the Christian life.  It’s all about Jesus, isn’t it?  About having a relationship with Him. Relationship implies communication on a regular basis. Relationship also implies mutual respect.  Understanding.  And love.

So many times when I come home from the office Beth will ask me how my day went.  As a Type-A person I tend to answer her based upon how much I managed to mark off my To-Do list.  If I was able to accomplish a lot, I reply in the affirmative.  If I didn’t accomplish a lot, I reply in the negative.  But perhaps I have been using the wrong standard for success.  The reality is that I can’t always get a lot things done every day.  Sometimes I am waiting on other people.  Sometimes other things need my attention.  Things that pop up during the day that weren’t on my list at the beginning of the day.  So I can’t always accomplish a lot.  But I can stay in constant communion with Jesus.

And so can you.  Whether you’re young or old, whether your working or retired, whether you’re in ministry or not, you can keep in touch with Jesus.  All day.  Every day.  Is this difficult to do?  Yes it is.  Like anything else, it takes practice.  It takes intentionality.  It takes relying upon the Holy Spirit.  Am I there yet?  Not even close!  But I am getting better at it.  And now I know what I need to do.  That’s half the battle.  So I am going to try to concentrate on Jesus more.  By thinking about Him throughout the day.  Talking to Him.  Praising Him.  Thanking Him.  Worshiping Him.  Eventually I want to get to the point where even though I accomplish very little, I can still say that it was a success.  Because Jesus and I went through the day together!

Lord, I admit that I am not very good at this moment-by-moment stuff.  The fact is that sometimes You barely cross my mind at all in a given day.  But I want to change this.  I want to have an awareness of Your presence.  All day.  Every day.  I want to learn to stay in touch with You.  To share with You my joys and sorrows.  My plans and dreams.  My triumphs and disappointments.  I want an intimate relationship with You.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.