Defining Success

“Hezekiah trusted in, leaned on, and was confident in the Lord, the God of Israel . . . He clung and held fast to the Lord and ceased not to follow Him, but kept His commandments . . . the Lord was with Hezekiah; he prospered wherever he went. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.”
2 Kings 18:5-7 Amplified Bible

A recent study revealed that an amazing one-fourth of the adult population “has no idea what would make their life successful.” They go through life, with a variety of ups and downs, highs and lows, but don’t seem to have perspective, or even a sense of ultimate purpose.

Others have a variety of ways of feeling successful. Some point to having a strong family or lasting marriage. Others feel successful based on some “tangible accomplishment” (such as “financial accumulation, educational achievement or making a difference”). Some look to “personal emotional fulfillment.” Just a few believe that success can be “a result of spiritual experiences or development.”

King Hezekiah provides an example of a person with a clear sense of purpose for his life, a person who knew how to define “success.” The Bible says that he “prospered wherever he went.” He simply succeeded in everything because he trusted in and obeyed God.

Would you consider that your life has been successful? What is the basis of your conclusion? How you feel? Your achievements? What would God say about your life? Have you followed His plan for you? Are you obeying His call?

Don’t allow the world to set your standards. Remember that popular opinions can change quickly. Focusing on worldly fame and “success” can be like “chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

Make sure that God is pleased with your life. Commit yourself to serving Him. Make Jesus the Lord of your life. And let Him give you perspective and purpose.

Prayer: Father, show me Your purpose for my life. I trust in You. My goal is to be obedient to You, and serve You. My desire is to please You and serve You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.