All of my life I have wanted to be successful. The idea of success has driven me most of my days and the fear of not being successful has kept me on course as well. As I reflect on this, I find it interesting that not much has changed for me personally. I still desire success, but my definition of “success” has shifted drastically. Growing up in the thriving and prosperous suburb of Plano the mantra and allure of success was all around me.
Success equated to the various status symbols of the “American Dream”: expensive cars, expansive homes, exotic vacations and exclusive lives. The greater cultural system reinforced what most families modeled, and we were all competing for ways to get a slice of pie. The proverbial “Jones’” kept everyone running at breakneck speed and leaving carnage in our wake; people became a means to an end as “success” was the idol we chased. This is not isolated to Plano or the Dallas metroplex per se; rather, this ethos permeates the ghetto as much as Rodeo Drive. It is American to the core.
A biblically informed definition of success has almost nothing to do with the acquisition of material things or the achievement of personal comfort. Success for the believer is defined in relationship to Jesus Christ and His mission. Christ came to seek and save that which was lost; He calls a people unto Himself. We were once far off and have now been brought near through the blood of Christ. He creates a new humanity with transformed perspectives and ambitions.
The death and resurrection of Christ and the overall mission of God in the world now defines what success looks like for the believer and the Church. Simplistically, a believer’s desire for success should be in accordance with Romans 12:1-2. Do I look like the Savior? Have I been transformed by His grace to love radically, give generously, suffer willingly, walk humbly and engage missionally? Is the fruit of God’s Spirit evident in my heart: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
The hope in my life is that I would be successful, but success has been redefined as I have been transformed. Now, a prosperous life means an endowment of Christ-saturated thoughts, relationships and actions; not a certain tax bracket or health. Conformity to the image of Christ compels me rather than the creaturely comforts of a fading glory (2 Corinthians 5:14). The success I am now pursuing is not elusive; rather, it is eternally mine because it has been purchased by the sufficient blood of Christ and secured by the seal of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:7,14). The “American Dream” is a cheap substitute compared to the rich treasure of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-10). The gospel reality awakens us to pleasures evermore and causes us to abandon our prior delusions of grandeur to readily accept the inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for those who believe. (1 Peter 1:3-5).
Can I really be called a “success” if I waste my life chasing the wind? Maybe, but then I would also have to be called a “fool” as well.
So good bro. Thanks for this.
This is great message and reminder that success means to “store our treasures in heaven…for there will our hearts be also”…thanks
Thank you for this post. It reminds me of what i’ve been studying in I Cor. 9 where Paul talks about running to obtain the prize (true success?). Atheletes train themselves for a wreath he says, be we train ourselves for an imperishable one – the crown of glory Paul later speaks of at the end of II Tim.
God help us all to ‘run’ like we’re actually trying to win the race. Not to ‘earn’ God’s reward, but to “take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Christus solus.
Thank you so very much for this. I allowed my self to get caught up in chasing the success’s of the world ¬ those of Christ. I gave up a job (though not a perfect one) that I realize now that I greatly liked, in pursuit of more $$. I now have a job that pays more but has cost me more than I ever wanted to pay. I have been working it for a year now & all the money that I made can’t buy back the time with my children that I would have had with my old job. Oh how I regret chasing the “American Dream” version of success. I now can only pray that Christ will provide a way out of it for me. I definitly feel like a “fool”.
Good stuff JP, preciate this!
This ties in really well with the message this weekend! We should pursue success in Christ with the same amount of zeal that we’ve put towards worldly success, how awesome would that be!?!?! This gives me strength brother, thanks for the post!
Thanks for this word. I needed it today
Now THIS is dangerous teaching… dangerous in the best possible way… for the Kingdom.
spot on!! great word..thanks for sharing…
I am humbled that God has planted our family right in the middle of such Godly community. He purposely uses the influence of them to continually shape our marriage of 10 years and relationship with our children. I am overwhelmed by His mercy.
Thank you for the insight Josh…good stuff!
Praise God for this word Josh. I want you to know that I was deeply struggling with this very issue due to the beginning of the year messages about setting your “success” goals for the new year which seem to only focus on how God wants you to be “success” based on how the secular world defines it. Praise God that He used you to speak these words of life and wisom into my heart brother. I thank you and may God’s great peace and mercy be upon you and all at the Village, especially Matt and his family.
Thanks for the article. Great perspective!
Keep it up! Some people live their whole life without finding out that only God fills us with the peace far surpassing than what this world has to offer.
I just finished reading, “Crazy Love” today by Francis Chan. I was encouraged and reminded by what you’ve said and also something Chan said. We do not have to fear meeting God’s expectations or the worlds. God ensures our success in accordance with HIS plan and not mine! Jerem. 1:6-10 Thanks for the word!
Good thoughts, Josh. But actually, acquisitivism is not “American” — it is human. American success at its core does not (or indeed, should not) equal materialism, rather, it means caring for one’s family and community with the fruits of our labor. The term “American greed” has always rankled. It is more properly called “human nature”. This is a great country. Full of sinners. Saved by grace. God Bless America.
“Now, a prosperous life means an endowment of Christ-saturated thoughts….”
GOLD
[...] Great Blog from the village church – Redefining Success [...]
Simply amazing!!!…. May God put this same sense in every Christian, and Help us to grow in this vision for our life, FOR HIS GLORY!!!
Thank you Josh from Dominican Republic for this post!!!
God Bless you!!
Hi Matt,
I was made aware of your condition from a friend while I was in the middle of going through much testing. They thought I had leukemia but I was diagnosed
with a rare bone marrow disorder. Your teachings have brought so much encouragement to my heart and have given me faith through some rough times. I have been a christian for 23 years and I am the Children’s director at Grace Church in Southern Pines, NC. I am definitely trying to redefine success in my life!! I heard something on Focus on the Family this morning that I thought would be uplifting to you http://listen.family.org/daily/A000002400.cfm. I pray for you and your family everyday.
God Bless,
Joanna Coxe
Amen and amen Josh…praise God for The Village Church and for being able to listen to encouragement from the other side of the world…as I live in Perth, Australia.
Thank you for this post. These are observation and comments that I can see, but seldom live out to the fullest. Good to know that many are.
Very inspiring article. I appreciated it. I hope that soon I can have my own success along with my personal growth.