“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” Vince Lombardi
What do you believe makes an individual successful? How do you define success? If you ask ten individuals their definition of success, you probably will get ten different definitions. Success does not look the same for everyone because the picture of success is different for every person.
Different pictures of success
A basketball coach might define success as winning a championship. A CEO might define success as leading the number one company in his or her industry. An employee for a manufacturer might define success as a promotion to a management position. A father might define success as training responsible young men.
You can see from the above examples success is defined differently depending on the individual.
Success is possible for everyone
Success is not distinguished for a select group of individuals. It is not based on your family background or what side of the tracks you come from. Real success is more than the accumulation of money, the acquisition of material possessions or the amount of personal achievements.
To have real success you must have a continuing desire to become the person God destined you to be. Success then becomes a daily process. I defined success earlier in my life differently than I do now. At first, I thought success was making a great salary, driving a nice car, living in a nice home and working in a marketing position for a major company.
Do not get me wrong there is nothing wrong with having any of these as a part of your success journey, but they should not define what true success is. If your success only consists of these things then you have a very limited definition of success.
Dr. Charles Stanley states in his book, ‘Success God’s Way’,
“That our human approach to success tends to be here’s my goal. God’s approach is here’s the person I want you to be, here’s what I want you to do and here’s how to be that type of person and how to do your given task. It is being a godly person and then obeying God in His directives that we find success.”
New definition of success
When I began to listen to God’s direction, my thinking on success changed. I saw there were things more important than just money, possessions, positions and personal achievement. I realized my relationship with God, my wife, children, family and others were more important to my success than the material things.
I also discovered my character, values, health, integrity and thoughts were a very important part of my success journey. In my search for true success I discovered a new definition.
Success is becoming the person God purposed you to be, living positive values that guide your daily choices and actions, accomplishing the goals that give your life direction and sowing seeds that empower others.
The Apostle Paul understood what it meant to live a successful life. Paul was so committed to living for Christ that even in times of lack or prosperity, times of want or satisfaction, he learned to be content (Philippians 4:12). Not the type of contentment that allowed him to settle for where he was, but a type of contentment that reassured him God would give him success despite His current circumstances.
Paul knew how to live successfully because he saw life from God’s point of view. He focused on his assignment and not on what he thought he should do or what others were doing. He detached himself from the nonessential things and focused on the things of value to his ultimate destiny.
Paul was not trying to imitate Peter, John or any other Apostle. He determined in his mind he would succeed by becoming the best man God designed him to be.
The right road to success
You cannot rely on your strength because you have weaknesses and insecurities. You cannot rely on the strength of others because they are dealing with their own pains and problems.
You cannot rely on the strength of the economy because it is unstable and unforgiving. You cannot afford to rely on the strength of a job because you may have a job Monday morning, but by lunch, you may be unemployed.
None of these are reliable because they cannot give you the solid foundation you need to support your promised future. However, when you place your future in God’s hands, you have the firm foundation you need to put your vision on the right road to success.
God wants you to succeed and stands ready to help you beyond what you can ever dream or think. Paul said it best in Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”
Question: How do you define success for your life? Leave a comment below.
floyd says
Solid wisdom, Bernard. Well said, defended, and sold. Success outside of our Father’s will is chasing the wind. You and I have walked a parallel path in this life. I now define success much differently than I used to as well. To make a difference in the lives of others and to encourage them is our gift and calling. Thanks for using yours today. I’m reminded and encouraged. Awesome post!!
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks Floyd. I am working hard to live out the purpose God gave me, to encourage, equip and empower people to realize and live out their God designed vision. I appreciate your support and words of encouragement.
Barb Raveling says
The definition of success is something I’ve also struggled with, Bernard. It was great to hear your thoughts on it. Sounds like God is taking you down the same path as He’s taking me. I’m thinking for me the definition of success is keeping God first amongst the constant temptations to not keep Him first and then just doing His will, no matter where that will brings me – and being happy about it if it’s not the same place I was thinking it would be. 🙂
Bernard Haynes says
I defined the first part of my success definition with becoming the person God purposed us to be puts God first in our lives. If we live His purpose then everything else will fall into place. Our values will be connected to what He values. Our Goals will be in line to what He wants us to do. And the seeds from our life purpose will help empower others to live out their purpose. If you are seeking success God’s way for your life then you are on the right path.
TCAvey says
This is a great post. It really spoke to me. Today, I keep hearing God remind me that His kingdom is inside me. All I need is found in Him. Nothing in this life is about me- everything should be about pointing others to God and Him flowing out of me and shining through me.
As I get ready to launch my book, God is also reminding me that earthly measures of success aren’t want His interested in. I may only sale one book, but I’m following what God told me to do and that is my success. Obeying my Savior. It’s about Him and all for Him.
Thanks so much for this great post. Very helpful and uplifting.
Bernard Haynes says
Thanks TC. You hit the nail on the head,’nothing in this life is totally about me’. Most of us miss this because we think it is all about us. I was like that in the beginning of living out my vision until God spoke to me in a still small voice and said, ‘it is not about you, but about Me being glorified and My Kingdom being advanced. I still struggle with me, myself and I getting in the way of God’s leading. But, when I settle down and refocus my sight on Him, I see His vision clearly.
TCAvey says
I think it’s part of our society to think life is about us.
Dan Black says
Great thoughts Bernard!
Real and lasting success I believe is about winning and having all areas of our life in good order. I don’t consider someone a success in business if their home life or health is unsuccessful.
Bernard Haynes says
Dan, thanks for commenting. Your definition of success is right on the mark.
Dan Black says
🙂