Success: What is it? What is God’s Idea of Success?
Success. What is success? What does a successful person look like? How do we know when we’ve achieved success? I mean success is something we all strive for, right? It goes to reason then, that we should know what it is that we are aiming toward.
So who gets to define success? I think it’s safe to say that culture, society or the rest of the world probably defines success significantly differently than God does. Culture might say that success looks like wealth, power, status, fame, happiness, and fortune. Are these things bad? No, not at all. Some of the people that the bible calls “successful” had these things, but they didn’t always. Quite frankly, they were called successful before they even had these things!
Joseph…success as a slave and prisoner
Joseph was second in command to the Pharaoh of Egypt, making him rich, powerful, famous, respected, and so on. However, God called Joseph successful when he was a slave and a prisoner before he ever got to the point of status, wealth, power and fame.
“The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the LORD was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.” Genesis 39:2-3 (NLT)
“The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The LORD was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.” Genesis 29:23 (NLT)
David…success as an underdog, servant and fugitive
David was considered one of the greatest and most beloved kings that ever lived possessing all of the things previously discussed…fame, power, fortune, wealth, and more. However, He was considered a success even before he became king. In fact, he was an underdog, a servant to Saul, and even a fugitive escaping Saul’s wrath and jealousy when he was called “successful”.
“David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him.” 1 Samuel 18:14 (NLT)
Counterintuitive success
Sometimes what God calls success seems a bit counterintuitive. God doesn’t always see things the same way that we do. Sometimes God’s perspective is the complete opposite of ours or might seem backwards.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)
“So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.” Luke 16:15 (BSB)
“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant” Mark 10:43 (ESV) **See also Matthew 20:26-27, Matthew 23:11, & Luke 22:26
I struggle with this idea of success too
I don’t always feel accomplished. There are still things that I haven’t achieved yet and things that I still want for my life. Sometimes I feel inferior because I fear that on the outside I might not look like much of a success to others. I don’t have a lot of wealth, power, status or fame, nor am I “accomplished” by today’s standards. Nevertheless, I have to remind myself that God’s view of success is different than the world’s. I can be successful even before achieving all of those things that I want for myself and my family. Success can be present even in the midst of situations others might not deem successful.
Take Some Practical Steps to Share God’s Idea of Success:
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First, consider attitudes, behaviors, and other characteristics that come to your mind when you think of a “successful person” and what it takes to be a “success” in life.
Write down some things describing your concept of a success.
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Then, think about yourself.
Do you consider yourself a success at this point in your life by your own standards or concept? Which characteristics do you share with your description of a successful person? What do you not share with this description? Which characteristics would you like to share with this description?
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Now, considering the examples of Joseph and David above, and considering that God’s view of success might be a bit counterintuitive to our own concept or standard…What do you think God’s view of success is?
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Next, read over the following scriptures and think about what they have to say about success (and how and when it comes).
Write down any themes or patterns you see about success and what you see as God’s idea of success after reviewing these bible verses.
“The LORD was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the LORD was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.” Genesis 39:2-3 (NLT)
“The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The LORD was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.” Genesis 29:23 (NLT)
“So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.” Joshua 6:27 (NIV)
“David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him.” 1 Samuel 18:14 (NLT)
“Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after his time. He remained faithful to the Lord in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the Lord had given Moses. So the Lord was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did. He revolted against the king of Assyria and refused to pay him tribute.” 2 Kings 18:5-7 (NLT)
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
“Observe the requirements of the LORD your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.” 1 Kings 2:3 (NLT)
“And may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the LORD your God as you rule over Israel. For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the LORD gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!” 1 Chronicles 22:12-13 (NLT)
“God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, they find happiness in the Teaching of the LORD, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 (CEV)
“My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” Proverbs 3:1-4 (NLT)
“Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)
“Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the LORD and you will be happy.” Proverbs 16:20 (GNT)
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
- Finally, determine if you need to adjust your own concept or standard of success after considering God’s idea of success.
What changes do you need to make to share and/or achieve God’s idea of success? Is the Lord “with” you as he was with Joseph, Joshua, David and Hezekiah (see verses above)—i.e. are you spending regular time with God? Are you spending regular time reading, studying, and meditating on the bible and then actually following and doing what it says? Would you be willing to do these things in order to be truly successful?
What do you think God’s idea of success is? Do you consider yourself successful after considering God’s idea of success? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.
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