What is Success?

by Raymund Tamayo

Photo source: whatwillmatter.com

Success is subjective. One may see other people more or less successful than him or her depending on what is his definition of success.

In other words, you are only as successful as you think you are.

For one person, having a lot of money, a stable job, high salary, several big houses, and numerous cars is success. For another one, a healthy body, complete family, meaningful relationships, and living a life of purpose even without much money is success.

Like beauty, success is in the eye of the beholder.

However, what I would like to talk about in this post is success in the Biblical perspective as God made me realize all through the years.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” – Joshua 1:8

“Success” in the Hebrew language as mentioned in the above verse is “Sakal”, which means gaining understanding, being made wise, and achieving “good” success.

God promises “good” success, which means there is “bad” success. This means that even though success is subjective, one should be aware whether his success is good or bad.

Some Types of “Bad” Success

Here are three scenarios that appear to be a “success” but, in reality, are bad ones:

1. Attained by hurting others or putting others down

2. Attained by damaging one’s own character

3. Attained but does not have eternal results

Success from a Biblical perspective is much more than gaining material prosperity, getting a high social status or title, and being popular and having thousands of friends.

From the Biblical perspective, success is only success when God’s purpose for our lives is accomplished.

I know it may sound super spiritual for some and not all people believe in it, even some Christians, which is why I started this post that success is subjective. It really depends on how you see it.

But if you consider yourself a follower of Jesus Christ, real success can only be achieved when we fulfill His purpose for our lives.

Also, there is no such thing as super spiritual. It’s either we are spiritual or not. It’s either we are Spirit-led or self-led.

Speaking to my brothers and sisters, if we do not aim fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives, then what on earth are we here for?

My point is, some Christians today are confused and don’t have any idea what success means to them, which is why life seems to be confusing, stressful, dull, hopeless, and unproductive.

We can only learn the specific purpose of our lives from Him who created us.

Because success involves discovering and fulfilling our God-given purpose, then the first step in achieving it is to seek God and allow Him to reveal His specific “will” or “purpose” for our lives.

God is such a gentleman that He does not force Himself onto anyone. God knocks at the doors of our hearts and waits for us to respond accordingly until we are ready.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

God promises the best for us and he also assures that whoever seeks Him with all his heart will find Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:11-13

As a Christian, fulfilling God’s purpose and will for your life should be the most important thing.

If you are still not aware of your God-given purpose, then begin earnestly seeking God through praying and reading His Word. Continue to grow in your relationship with God through Christ. Continue to spend time with your fellow believers and testify your faith in both words and deeds.

Sooner or later you will find what you are looking for as God reveals Himself more and more to you in each day of walking with Him.