What is True Success?
Living in 21st Century America is a privilege in many ways because this country is so prosperous, wealthy, abundant, and filled with opportunities to become successful in life. But what is success? Who or what defines success, and how do you know if or when you have achieved success?
Some people define success by making a lot of money, driving the best cars, living in the best neighborhoods, being able to travel around the world at the drop of a hat, or sending your children to the best schools in the country. How do you define success? What are you sacrificing in your life in order to obtain what you think is successful?
The Holy Bible has its own criterion for defining success. After Moses died, God ordained Joshua to lead the Hebrews into the Promised Land of Canaan. Joshua was scared initially, but God encouraged him and spoke these words:
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:7-9
According to this passage, Joshua's success and prosperity would be measured by how well he incorporated God's commands into his everyday life. God instructed the Israelites how to live healthy lives, how to love Him, their neighbors, and even foreigners. The LORD instructed His people how to worship Him, how to take care of their new land, how to conduct themselves in marriage, and other close relationships. Adherence to these divine commands would mark true prosperity that would count into the ages.
In the New Testament, John writes a letter to his friend Gaius, and pens these words:
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." ~ 3 John 2
This verse reveals the essence of true prosperity and success. Not only is good physical health important to enjoy a good life, but taking care of our souls (our spirituality) is even more important, because it is our relationship to and with God that will transcend time.
What are you working toward in your life? Are you wearing yourself out to obtain that which is destined to perish in a few short years, or are you investing in those things that will last beyond this world?
REMEMBER .... GOD WANTS YOU!!!!
