Is it Wrong to Seek Success?

Q: Is it wrong to seek success? — S.D.

A: Someone researched the web for books about success. After a few minutes he gave up, literally thousands were listed. Our world is obsessed with success.

The world has its measures on what it means: financial success, athletic success, business success, professional success, social success, success in gaining popularity. The list is almost as endless as the man’s search. Many people spend their lives pursuing at least one of these.

But how does God define success? His measure is very different from the world’s measure, and it can be summed up in one sentence: Success in God’s eyes is faithfulness to His calling.

The Apostle Paul was a failure in the world’s eyes — but not to God. Even Jesus was a failure as far as most people were concerned, but He was faithful to the One who appointed Him — God the Father — and that is all that mattered.

May we refrain from comparing ourselves to others who experience success by worldly standards and rather pursue things that are successful according to God’s Word. Even when the world mocks us or misunderstands us, may we seek to be faithful in all the small things and to walk humbly with God.

The Bible declares: Do not let this Book… depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be… successful” (Joshua 1:8, NIV 1984).

Time and the ravages of sin take their toll on the noble achievements of man. Regardless of our cleverness, our intelligence, our ingenuity, and our achievements, we are spiritual paupers without God.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2019 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.