Success : Are You Successful ? - Pursuing Intimacy With God
Are You Successful ?
How God Measures Success
What is success ? Most people define success in terms of achieving goals, acquiring wealth, and having prestige, favor, status, and power. “Successful” people enjoy the “good life” – being financially secure, emotionally secure, being surrounded by admirers, and enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Their example is emulated and their accomplishments are noticed. Most people’s definitions of success only deal with the “here and now” of this life. Even in many churches today the definition of success is in terms of numbers, size, dollars and prestige.
But success is measured and defined differently by God.
God’s measure of success involves our obedience and faithfulness to Him, regardless of opposition and personal cost. His measure of success is whether or not we are being loyal to Him in our personal relationship with Him and in our life, and whether we are accomplishing His goals & purposes for our life.
Some examples in the Bible
Jeremiah
Jeremiah was an absolute failure when judged by people’s definition of success. For 40 years he served as God’s spokesman, but when he spoke no one listened and responded. He was rejected by his neighbors, his family, the priests and prophets, friends, his audiences, and the kings.
Jeremiah was poor and underwent severe deprivation to deliver God’s messages. He was thrown into prison and into a cistern. But in God’s eyes he was a success. He faithfully and courageously proclaimed God’s word and His messages, and he was obedient to his calling.
Jesus
Jesus was also a failure, if you measure his life here on earth by people’s measure of success. He had little in material possessions, and did not even own a home. He was rejected by most people, and was even hated by some. The religious leaders of the time despised him. Even his friends and those closest to him deserted him.
He was accused and found guilty of things he did not do. He was beaten, spit on, cursed, mocked, and he suffered terribly and died the most horrible kind of death known to man at that time, death on the cross. Measure him by the way most of us measure success, and he was a failure.
But in God’s eyes, the redemption and salvation of all of mankind was accomplished through His son Jesus. By God’s grace and great love for you and I, He sent Jesus to pay for our sins, and now the gift of a restored personal relationship with God and eternal life can be ours – all because of Jesus Christ.
Be Successful God’s Way
- “God’s call is for you to be his loyal friend, to accomplish His purposes and goals for your life” – Oswald Chambers
- “Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – God (Joshua 1:8)
- “He who pursues righteousness (close & right fellowship with God) and love, finds life, prosperity, and honor.” – God (Proverbs 21:21)
- “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves… but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant…” – 2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Pursuing Intimacy With God is committed to helping you with the most important thing in your life… your intimacy with God , your fellowship with Him, and your partnership with God in His Kingdom work & mission.
There are many more great truths and hundreds of Bible verses in the Pursuing Intimacy With God Bible studies.
Preview the Pursuing Intimacy With God studies
Prayer: The Keys To Powerful Prayer
Praise God: To Place A High Value On Him
Hear God’s Voice: Vital To Have Intimacy With God
What Is God’s Call For Your Life ?
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