What Does Success Mean To You?

What does "Success" mean to you? When I was seeking an image for this post, I typed up free images of success. Not too many came up. This was one of four. They had a couple of high-rise buildings and this gentleman in a suit. I thought to my self, so this is what people think "success" is? High-rise buildings, a man in a suit, cars, houses, a woman in heels, all that stuff. That's all people think success is? How superficial is that? 

Many people have struggled to climb that corporate ladder and managed to get to the top and ring the bell, but are still empty, dead on the inside, greedy and still money hungry! That is what you call success? 

There was a man in the bible, who God chose to be one of Jesus' disciples. This man followed Jesus everywhere along with the other chosen disciples. However, this man was not following Jesus in his heart. His mind was on the money. He was not content, because of greed, pride, and lust for power. In the end, this particular disciple made the money. But it was by selling out on Jesus, the Son of God. It led him to go out and hang himself. This man's name was "Judas". For the money Judas betrayed Jesus. You can read this story in Matthew 27:1-8 KJV. 

We have to be very careful to not love money. We are to follow Jesus, not follow after money. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, "No man can serve two masters; for either, he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Money." 1 Timothy 6:10 says, "The love of money is the root of all evil; which while some 'coveted after (were greedy about), they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 

Timothy was warning us in chapter 6 to watch out for and withdraw from those who say, "Gain is godliness." He tells us in 1st Timothy 6:6 "But Godliness with contentment is great gain. 7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8. And having food and raiment let us therewith be content." And speaking of contentment, Paul (in the bible) learned the hard way. He says in Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12. I know both how to be 'abased (made low), and I know how to 'abound (be prosperous); everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Paul learned to be content and happy just walking with God. In verse 4:19 he says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus. 20. Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." Paul could only say God would supply our need because he walked with him and knew by experience God could be trusted. I have learned by an experience like Paul's, true contentment comes from walking with God and loving him.

So, to those of you who are climbing that corporate ladder, or seeking to be rich. just make sure you are walking with God. Make sure you are seeking Jesus and his righteousness first as Jesus says in Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." 

If you don't have a relationship with Jesus and give Him the glory for all you have that he has given you, then you are not truly successful. It doesn't matter what you drive, or what kind of house you live in, or what kind of fancy clothes you wear, or where you travel, remember,

 "Success is not where you take your heart, but being content where your heart is right now!" Is your heart right with Jesus right now? If yes, and you are content and at peace, that is SUCCESS!

True success is walking and talking with God and having a relationship with him, whether we have two pennies in our pocket or two trillion in the bank, and giving him all the glory no matter what!

Listen to this song below by "Josh Turner called Me and God."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGZV2Sr1sTg

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