The Oxford dictionary defines success as accomplishing an aim or purpose. The world defines it as being wealthy, a high position of notoriety, or outstanding in your field. The Bible defines it as so much more. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” In the mission field, my mom used to quote this verse a bit differently… “What does it matter if you gain the whole village and lose your own family?” True success is taking into account the eternal need of our soul - to know God, and the highest necessity - to receive Him as Savior.
The Apostle Paul gave up worldly “success” to follow God and do His will. No longer was he highly esteemed among his peers and society, but slandered, imprisoned and beaten for the sharing of the Gospel. Knowing God and sharing His path to Salvation, was the pinnacle of His desire and calling.
Right before he was put to death, he penned these words, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8)
The greatest horror would be to die and stand before the Lord and realize that all we strived for was empty and meaningless for eternity. May we be careful to align our hearts to the will of God…
Fight for what matters to God.
Be faithful to finish what God has asked you to do.
Keep the faith, no matter what comes against you.
And keep looking for His glorious appearing.
This is a life worth living; a true success.
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