Success if it’s not money, what is it?
What the Bible says About Success…
Knowing and doing what God says is a key to success.
“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.” Joshua 1:8, NIV5
Is your life Successful?
What is success? Most people would 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 their success is in terms of numbers and size and dollars and prestige.6
How God measures Success
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 and purposes for our life.6
Was Jesus a Success?
Jesus was 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.6
Meaning of Success
1. The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted: attributed their success in business to hard work.
2. a. The gaining of fame or prosperity: an artist spoiled by success.
b. The extent of such gain.
3. One that is successful: The plan was a success.4
Meaning of Prosperous
1. Having success; flourishing: a prosperous new business.
2. Well-to-do; well-off: a prosperous family.
3. Propitious; favorable: a prosperous moment to make a decision.
The truth is, success is making yourself and your loved ones happy.
If your fellow man has become happy and has more joy in his life do to your actions, then you’ve already achieved success.
Now repeat the following out loud 3 times:
“I am happy for my neighbour is happy”
May God Bless you, help others find happiness and you will become happy.
Erik Creed
