How Do You Measure Success?

Are you successful? By what means do you measure your success? How do you define it? The dictionary defines success in this way:

• the attainment of popularity or profit: the success of his play.
• a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity: I must make a success of my business.
• archaic the outcome of an undertaking, specified as achieving or failing to achieve its aims: the good or ill success of their maritime enterprises.

Recently a wonderful friend was praying for me. As she prayed, she asked the Lord to help me to not put unrealistic expectations on myself. She reminded me that God did not have a measuring stick in Heaven by which He measures all that I do. I realized that I have been doing exactly that. Trying to live up to unrealistic standards placed on me by myself as well as how this world would measures. To the world’s view, there are many areas in my life where I would be viewed as “unsuccessful”.

• I don’t own a home
• I don’t have a college degree.
• I don’t have a lot of money.
• I don’t take elaborate vacations.
• I don’t have it all together.

The list goes on. At the age of 44, I have been spending way too much time on what I don’t have. Countless hours have been exhausted grieving over missteps, losses, misguided decisions, and unfortunate circumstances. And because I’ve allowed my mind to be filled with my misfortunes rather than looking at the blessings that are all around me, I’ve been paralyzed from moving forward into pursuing the heart of God and his plan and purpose for my life.

A wise man once said,

“I am loved (by God) and I am a lover (of God), therefore I am successful.”…Mike Bickle, Director, International House of Prayer, Kansas City.

Is it really that simple? Absolutely! God does not measure my success based on the expectations I put on myself, or those of this world. He does not measure my success on where I love or how much money I have. He measures my success based on my heart attitude of love. He loves me. I love Him. If I were to do nothing else, I would get an “A” for success simply because He loves me and I love Him!

Success is not owning a home.
Success is building the home of my heart and filling it with His love.

Success is not a college degree.
Success is growing in the knowledge of God and in deeper intimacy with Jesus.

Success is not money in the bank.
Success is freely giving of what I do have.

Success is not elaborate vacations.
Success is making memories where God has placed me now.

Success is not having it all together.
Success is being willing to admit I am not perfect and fall short.

The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, (Genesis 39:2-3 NIV)

Beloved, know that no matter what season you are walking through in your life, the Lord is with you, and He is pleased with you, right where you are. I pray that you will see yourself successful in His eyes today simply because you love Him!