A MEASURE OF SUCCESS
The world measures success by great sports achievements, becoming famous in the arts, and by widespread recognition for acting or musical talent. Good looks seem to bring success to those so blessed. These are all what I call Hollywood standards of success that often come with Hollywood values. Then there's the usual measures of wealth and power. But at what price does this "success" come? By forsaking the Lord and family? By compromising moral values?
True Christians measure success much differently. Proverbs 23:4 says, "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." Christians have their sights set on heaven. Others do not have the same goal but are in the race, nevertheless. Their lack of interest and, therefore, lack of preparation and participation will disqualify them from the prize.
Paul, the special apostle who suffered so greatly for the Lord's sake, says in Acts 20:24, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me..." As a Roman, Paul was familiar with athletic events. He says in I Corinthians 9:24-27, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
Our own success will come when we can say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day -- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (II Timothy 4:7-8, NIV).
--Becky Wall
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