What is the image your mind conjures up when you hear the word “success”? Is it some fancy
New York high-rise? Or the ability to jet-set across the country at a moment’s whim? Maybe it’s that gorgeous Hampton mansion with a flashy sports car to match. Whatever it is, where did that image come from? And at what point did your mind embrace it?

My image of success came largely from the big screen. It’s influence has been strong and steady throughout my life.

I enjoy a good story. The kind where the impoverished individual overcomes the odds, resulting in great wealth and happiness. From Charlie winning the Chocolate Factory, to the Pretty Woman getting both her man and his money, we have seen the rags-to-riches theme depicted repeatedly. Even the Bible has Joseph, who was sold into slavery only to become the second in command of Egypt. And Esther, the orphan-turned-Queen. These seemingly happy endings have always looked like success to me.

But the reality is that many of us will never be that wealthy. We may never get to travel the world and take in all its wonders. That being so, how can we ever achieve success? How will we ever measure up? I am convinced we can. But to do so may require a redefining of the word. At its core, success is very different than the picture painted by our culture.

Why was Joseph successful? Was it because he went from slavery to power? It had nothing to do with his change of position. It had everything to do with keeping his eyes fixed on God, no matter what his circumstance. God had a purpose for his life.

Joseph was placed in power before and during a great famine. God’s plan allowed for the storage of grain that saved many people from hunger and starvation.

Was it Esther’s rise to the throne that made her a success? No, but her position gave her access to the king when Haman conspired to have the Jewish people obliterated. She was in the perfect place at the perfect time and was willing to follow God’s plan for her life.

Did these Bible heroes know they would be used for such great accomplishments? I do not think so. They simply followed God the best way they knew how.

Somehow, we need to make a disconnect from what we have perceived success to be and what it really is.

True success is achieved when children of God place him first in their lives. They learn all they can about him, pray to him daily, and through his faithful leading, grow into the people they were intended to be.

How can we know God’s intentions for our lives? His Word is key. Psalm 119:105 tells us that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Knowing his Word and applying it to our lives will not only help us see where to go, but also eliminate many of the wrong pathways that produce stress and grief in our lives. Proverbs 3:6 assures us that “he shall direct your paths” (New King James Version)

Though we may not always understand the big picture, we can be confident God does. When I was in my early 20s, I felt God urging me to write. I have tried many other things, from insurance, to crafting, to becoming a nurse, and yet here I sit with a pen in my hand.

By the way, is there anything wrong with financial gain? No, as long as it’s not the first priority. As long as you are willing to forsake it all if God should ask. First Timothy 6:10 tells us it’s “love of money” that will trip us up—not money itself. The rich man was unwilling to follow Christ because he loved his possessions more.

We are a culture that’s burdened to “have it all.” It’s so easy to place this burden upon our children. Our skewed measurement of a successful life can easily send them off in wrong directions. It’s one thing if God leads them to become doctors and lawyers; it’s another if we pressure them because of reputation and bragging rights.

Together, we can embrace the lives we were meant to live. God is a sure and steady guide. A successful life in his eyes would be our greatest accomplishment. |L

OTHER COLUMNS:
November 15, 2009 - Bringing Christ to French Guiana
November 1, 2009 - Walking the edge
October 18, 2009 - Watch what you say
October 4, 2009 - Proposing a new proverb
September 20, 2009 - Fear and trembling
September 6, 2009 - Elwyn
August 23, 2009 - Where did the Bible go?
August 9, 2009 - The public school: a local mission field
July 26, 2009 - Astonishing the judges
July 12, 2009 - Letting the past go
June 28, 2009 - Line up
June 14, 2009 - The path to spiritual growth
May 31, 2009 - A tribute to one of my heroes
May 17, 2009 - Silent soldier
April 19, 2009 - Operation Resensitization
April 5, 2009 - The temptations of ministers
March 8, 2009 - Conversation over shoes
February 22, 2009 - By their plurals you shall know them
February 8, 2009 - What is missing from your retirement plans?
January 25, 2009 - Turn the page
December 28, 2008 - Abba, Father
December 14, 2008 - Elementary truths
November 30, 2008 - The illusion
October 19, 2008 - Acting like a toddler
October 5, 2008 - Don’t miss this
September 21, 2008 - Foolish schemes
September 7, 2008 - God’s hand is everywhere
August 24, 2008 - The dance
August 10, 2008 - Strange land
July 27, 2008 - God’s amazing grace
July 13, 2008 - A best seller
June 29, 2008 - My grandfather’s clock and worship
June 1, 2008 - Reclaiming the name
May 4, 2008 - God is not our fairy godmother
March 9, 2008 - Need to know
February 10, 2008 - The top three myths of singleness
January 13, 2008 - By invitation only
December 5, 2007 - Yes, Abbie, there is a Jesus
November 18, 2007 - 10 Ways to be a good Christmas customer
October 21, 2007 - The dividing line
September 23, 2007 - What do you fear?
September 9, 2007 - A life well lived
August 26, 2007 - To murmur, or not to murmur
July 29, 2007 - The cross and the Christian
July 15, 2007 - Turning the other cheek: still a valuable biblical principle
July 1, 2007 - Why the tie?
June 3, 2007 - The death of a son
May 6, 2007 - A prayer for the dying
April 8, 2007 - The omnipresent God
March 11, 2007 - Do the Amish have superheroes?
February 11, 2007 - What’s your black history?
January 14, 2007 - The split branch
December 31, 2006 - The house of regret
December 10, 2006 - The redemption of the innkeeper
November 26, 2006 - Too many choices
November 12, 2006 - Break the bashing habit: Learning to love the unsaved like Christ does: November 12, 2006
October 15, 2006 - Be ‘salt and light’ this Christmas!: October 15, 2006
September 17, 2006 - Who is a legalist?: September 17, 2006 Issue 38
July 23, 2006 - God speaks through our brokenness: July 23, 2006 Issue 38
June 25, 2006 - 'What I am looking for in my church leaders'