Success

The measurement of success is so often distorted. This morning the pastor of the church we've started going to shared a message from Joshua describing success in God's eyes. I know this is elementary, and I also know that we all already know this, but today it finally hit me. The world's view of success is so diametrically opposed to God's. Jesus wasn't wealthy, he wasn't politically powerful, and his following was only large when he was giving away free food. However, contrary to the world's view, Jesus is the ultimate picture of success--pleasing God, seeking God's will, serving others.

So often I find myself guilty of seeking the world's view of success. I constantly dream up big schemes of what I plan to do and don't consider that maybe God has something else in store.

Recently I've been faced with some major decisions. My family is experiencing some pretty hard times, things for us will probably be a whole lot different then they have been, but I know God is good and he has a purpose for everything that happens. Maybe my big plans wont turn out they way the were "supposed to" and maybe my success wont measure up to the world's standard but I am so thankful for the reminder this morning that no one is a success that ignores the purpose for which he is made. I am so grateful that ultimate success is measured only in God's eyes. And honestly, I only want to be successful in pleasing God and doing his will, not mine.