Determining Success

“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” – Revelation 1:9 NKJV

Picture John on Patmos. Old. Blind. For all practical purposes, alone. Cut off from other Believers on this small, mountainous island, which actually was used as a place of banishment. A place where people like John were made to feel isolated.

Here, John must have spent time looking back on his life. Thinking about what he had done. What he had seen and heard. Recalling the life of Jesus. He also must have pondered his own ministry. As one of Jesus’ first disciples, he had been at the center of the spiritual “action.” But, there on Patmos, did he feel useless? Forgotten?

But any thoughts about failure must have ended when he received a mighty vision from Jesus. Others might have forgotten him, but He had not. As John had been faithful in the past, he would be given an incredible new assignment, the man to whom Jesus would give His “revelation.”

Looking at his fate on Patmos, some in the world might have considered John to be a failure. But in God’s sight, he was a great success, for He measures success based on faithfulness and obedience.

Reflecting on John’s life, we can pause to think about ourselves. About our past and present. What we have done. How we will be remembered. Our failures and successes.

The Bible tells us that God looks at our hearts, to see if we have followed Him and completed our mission. If we have been faithful with the resources He has given us.

Today, how does Jesus look at your life? Can He say of you, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? Renew your commitment to please Him. Seek to be a faithful, trustworthy servant.

Prayer: Father, give me Your perspective on my life. Show me if there are goals You want me to achieve. I want to serve You, and complete Your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.