This was posted on Facebook: “Success is the place where preparation, courage, and opportunity meet.” (Scott Wilson) Hmm. Really? What kind of success is that? I used to read a lot of the ‘success’ literature. Each author had a different way of presenting the formulas but all shared common ingredients. Hard work, boldness, vision, getting the right education all figured prominently. A few were forthright in saying, “Be like me and you will succeed!” Their definition of success was invariably about growing your organization into a larger one, gaining a wider sphere of influence, and increasing your control of resources. That is a kind of success, but it is not the only way to measure life.
When I was around 40 years of age, I attended a conference in Boston, MA led by a man named Bob Buford who had enjoyed the kind of success that is measured by dollars and a big office. Then, after going through the crisis of losing his son and a deep self-evaluation, he shifted focus. Bob described the shift from success to significance. His book, Halftime, explored the shift that many make around mid-life from chasing titles and money to fulfillment, to becoming a person of character who seeks the purpose for which he was created by God. Better, I think.
The Bible makes an arresting statement that supersedes all the success literature as our guide to the best life! "The Lord is your life… Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long … " (Deuteronomy 30:20, 32:46-47, NIV)
The Lord is your life! What a phrase. The Hebrew word translated as “life,” is one that bursts with energy. It is translated in other places in the Bible as green (like vegetation), animal, running, flowing (as a stream of water), and renew (as in springtime). In our relationship with our God, we find that kind of active life-force. Paul, preaching in Athens, declared that "In Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28, NIV)
Whether we live in a palace or a cabin, drive a new car or a clunker, wear the latest fashion or blue jeans from the thrift store, have a 401(k) for retirement or just a hope that our kids will give us a room – we will be a success IF we have shaped our lives around the will and Word of the One who is our Life. Is that hard? Sometimes it is so difficult that the Bible describes the process as ‘dying to Self!’ It is not a ‘once and done’ moment. Each day there are two paths that diverge before us. Jesus described them as the “Broadway that leads to destruction,” and “the Narrow way that leads to life eternal.” One offers immediate gratification of our baser desires; the other the long-term reward that comes from faithful love, service to others, and obedience.
Much of the “Christian” success literature is not universal! It claims to be “godly truth,” but is really just the American dream re-packaged. God’s success formula is equally true in Bangladesh and New York City! It works for the bright and beautiful and the those who are not so fortunate. “The Lord is your life,” is accessible to us all – if we will accept it by faith and pursue loving and serving Him whole-heartedly. Which kind of success are you chasing, friend? From which fountain are you trying to draw life’s sustenance? May the Spirit guide you to the life that is truly life, to success that survives the end of your journey on this globe.
Here’s a word from the Word to ponder today. Is it describing your deepest aspirations?
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NLT)
Now, that is real success, isn't it?
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