“And when they found Him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else- to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’” – Mark 1: 37-38
How do you define success?
According to the dictionary, success is ‘meeting or achieving the desired outcome.’ In other words, success is measured by our achievements, accomplishment, or talents. This often translates to money, fame, or power.
But what about God? How does He define success?
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, we read that when Jesus went to spend time with God, putting God first, the disciples began to worry. When Jesus returned, Peter had a few concerns: “Everyone is looking for You,” he said. Now what Peter really meant was, “Jesus, where have you been? There are 200 people outside looking to be healed! We have the largest church in the region, and the momentum is really taking off! Let’s stay focused and get to work.” (My paraphrase).
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. This is how He was successful.
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.
So how do you define success? Is the success you’re seeking only temporary, or is it an eternal success that lasts forever?
May each of us be successful – God’s way!
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
