[171 words]
If success means having lots of money, would we consider Jesus a success? At the end of his short life all he had were the clothes on his back – and those were taken by his enemies.
If success means having a family (children and a spouse), where would be the apostle Paul? First Corinthians 9:5 indicates that Paul gave up his right to marry for the sake of preaching the gospel.
If success means having a good reputation where would the prophet Jeremiah be? He was arrested, left to die in a pit of mire, taken off in captivity. He spent his entire life preaching and very seldom did he ever convince anyone to do what was right.
And yet, in the eyes of the Christian religion, these three men are considered successes. But more important than that, they are considered successes by God!
The real definition of success is to fulfill God’s will for your life! “He who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John-2:17b).
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX