Bryant Wright, Founder
“Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.” Mark 1:38-39
How do you define success?
According to the dictionary, success is ‘meeting or achieving the desired outcome.’ In other words, it’s is measured by our achievements, accomplishment, or talents. This often translates to money, fame, or power.
But how does God define it?
God defines success as fulfilling His will and purpose in our lives.
Based on this definition, Jesus was the most successful person to have ever lived, being the only one to have perfectly fulfilled God’s will.
So, how exactly did Jesus live?
- Jesus put His Father first.
- Jesus never lost sight of His mission.
Jesus’ entire purpose was to bring humanity – us – back to God. He wanted as many people as possible to experience God’s grace and forgiveness. But, His disciples didn’t always get it.
In Mark 1:35-39, we read that when Jesus went to spend time with God, the disciples began to worry.
But Jesus, having spent time with God, remained focused on His mission – instead of catering to the growing crowd, He told Peter that it was time to move on. Yes, miracles are important, the ministry is important, and helping is important – but nobody’s heart is changed by miracles alone. Jesus remained focused on His calling by staying connected to God, even in the face of His disciples’ good intentions.
Our lives are full of distractions: family, friends, work, obligations, and social media. Not all distractions are bad, but if we aren’t careful, we can lose sight of God’s purpose for our lives.
Is the success you’re seeking only temporary, or is it an eternal success that lasts forever?
DIG DEEPER:
Read “3 Ways the Gospel Shapes Our Definition of Success” by Michael Kelley
