“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding in things that don’t really matter.” – D. L. Moody

You and I live in a culture that we are driven to pursue success. There is nothing wrong with doing your best, setting goals and achieving success. However, there are two questions we must carefully consider: What does success look like for you? and What is your motivation for it? I guess the one word that would be most common to describe success today is..”More”. More material things, more wealth, and when that becomes too much, we want more  simplicity. It is disheartening to see people that  are obsessed in the misguided pursuit of “More”. They go right by and miss the opportunities to experience true contentment and lasting happiness in their relationship with God, family and close friends  along  the way. That explains how someone can achieve great success in one arena of their lives, yet be a train wreck in other areas of their lives at the same time. Jesus said : “What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What would you give to get back your soul?” -Matthew 16:26 ( CEB)

What some ways God wants for us to be successful from His holistic point of view?

As you study this topic in the Bible, it becomes evident that we are to follow God’s direction in our lives, to trust in Him, to show kindness, love and mercy among many other things. I have studied the Bible for 50 years now, and I am still learning more of the many facets of what God’s definition of success looks like for you and me. It is a life changing and a life long learning process. He loves us too much to let us just struggle and be the same, by trying to do it all on our own. He can give us the power and grace we need as He works in our lives. Here are few examples:

“There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.” – Philippians 1:6 (MSG)

“Not in your own strength, for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in you (energizing and creating in you the power and desire), both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” – Philippians 2:13 (AMPC)

“The Lord has told you what is good, He has told you what He wants from you. Do what is right to other people. Love being kind to others. And live humbly, trusting Your God.” -Micah 6:8 (ICB)

Do not give up on God, He has not given up on you. May this season in your life and my life, be a time to continue to grow in our faith and trust in the God that loves us so much.