Success

I don’t even know where to start. Success, that is a BIG word in today’s society. Most would think success to be measured by your bank balance and other’s might measure it by how many initials are behind your name. Some may even measure it by how many material things you possess. While another measurement may just be whether you have a roof over your head. But I’m not sure that I agree with these measurements at all.

Proverbs 16:3 ESV Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

I guarantee we could get as many different answers as the number of people we asked. It’s a good thing that I don’t depend on the correct answer coming from 1 person, 10 people or 100 people. There is only one true source for the answer and it’s measurement is the only True one.

Proverbs 3:5 ESV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

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The problem being is that, we live in this world and in every direction that we turn the influences are abundant. They weigh down on us. They hit hard with their expectations. Our emotions get tangled up in the web of lies that surround us until we break.

Romans 12:2 ESV Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

So who then……… where then, should we look for the measurement of success?

Deuteronomy 8:18 ESV You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Matthew 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

I have one measurement of success and it’s this.

Matthew 22:36-40 (NRSV) “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”  He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

I have not always followed by this rule of measurement. I was tangled up big time and it caught up with me in various ways. I first studied about the spiritual disciplines and then simplicity. Now don’t get all freaked out, I don’t live under a tree with my legs crossed and eyes closed, but those teachings have directed me to the scriptures and helped me have a better understanding of God’s view of success for my life. It helped me learn to be more intentional about my relationships and less focused on my surroundings. It taught me about being content because I knew what mattered, WHO mattered.

So I say to you on this topic of success, that if I love God with all my heart, seek out His direction for my life and love my neighbors as myself, then God already calls me a success. That’s all the success I need.

Thank you Lord for calling me worthy. Amen!