What is success? Wow, what a fleeting thing that is. We measure it in so many different ways. If you're like me, I am constantly analyzing my life and it's effect on others, positively and negatively.
Because I don't have a six figure bank account, am I a failure? Does a wonderful family make me a success? If one of my children makes a poor choice, am I a failure? Or, if they make excellent choices, am I a success? Do thriving ministries get me to that category? Does good leadership make me an awesome person? Or poor leadership the opposite?
Well, as a Christian person, in order for me or anyone else to keep our sanity, there is really only one answer. It's found in several areas in the Bible, here's a few:
Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success."
John 15:5, 10 (The whole chapter, really) "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
v.10 "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love."
The answer is a question: Am I doing what God has asked me to do? Have I kept my heart soft before Him? Am I abiding in Him?
If you can say yes to these things, you are a tremendous success! Your potential is limitless! Though circumstances may have got you down, remember it's all part of the growth process. Just do what He (Christ) asks you to do. Just be sure to stop and listen......peace and clarity will come in His time. Your success has already taken place...in Him.