I want success!! (Part 2)#

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Steadfastness

Like flowers, the nature of earthly success can be quite flashy for a brief moment, but will wither and dry up in due course. It is like a mist that appears for just a bit before vanishing without a trace.

However, true success according to Matt 7:24-27 is not temporary.

Inevitably, we will go through difficult times (v25, 27) in life. Perhaps we might get caught in a financial tsunami like the one felt around the world at the end of 2008, or we might experience serious illness, or quite possibly we might end up in a serious car accident. Those who are truly successful, who actually obey Jesus’ words, can withstand these calamities and thrive, just as the house of the wise man stands strong on the rock. The works of their hands will have long lasting impact upon others and bring glory to God. This achievement transcends space and time. That being the case, we cannot deem ourselves to be successful by looking at merely our current situations; we need to take on a long-term view of success.

To take an ultimate view, the storm described in v25 and 27 encompasses God’s final judgment when everyone will have to face Him.

Temporal Needs Satisfied

The criteria for success mentioned above are focused on spiritual and eternal aspects. But what about the temporal aspect – isn’t that important at all? After all, while we do not live on bread alone, we still need to have our basic needs met.

In answer to this question, Jesus makes this promise in Matt 6:33:

³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

We need to prioritize what is most important in our lives and then God will take care of “all these things.” In the context of the verse, “all these things” includes physical needs such as food and clothing, as well as mental aspects, encompassing the needs of our whole being.

Success – BEST

In my view, Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount paints a comprehensive picture of what success is all about for Christians who accept Christ by faith.

Taking all the initial letters of the above four criteria of success, we can spell the acronym “BEST.” This, in a nutshell, is Jesus’ criteria of success for each of us – it’s the very best!

I don’t have to be a billionaire, a top athlete, a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or a Nobel Prize recipient to be considered successful in God’s eyes. On the other hand, I might miss the “BEST” God intends for me even if I become successful in the eyes of the world!

# In addition to his teaching and evangelistic ministries at church, Dr. P.K. Au has been a marketplace disciple at different workplaces over the past three decades . Currently he is Sessional Instructor at Ambrose Seminary and Volunteer Lecturer at Chrestos College. He is also "tent-making" in The Chinese Academy (Calgary) as Head of External Affairs & Organizational Effectiveness.