A Biblical Example of a Successful Man

From all modern standards of success, he was an abject failure. He wasn't well known. In virtually every town he visited, he caused a riot. He was whipped, beaten, stoned, imprisoned, and continuously accused of a variety of misdemeanors which kept him in constant trouble with the authorities. He died a pauper in prison.

This brings up the question, "What constitutes a successful person?" In determining the measure of success it seems to me, we should use the standards that will have the greatest longevity and ultimate meaning. There are many contemporary models used by the media and pop psychologists (and others) to illustrate what would be considered, in today's society, the epitome of a successful person. That person would surely accumulate much, accomplish much, be well known, have great authority and/or would create a legacy of great creativity. All of this is good, valuable, and important for a well functioning society however, it is temporal, and much of it may well be consumed in the judgment.

We tend to think of success as that which leaves the greatest impact on society and precipitates the most accolades from man. In view of the eternal picture, however, such things don't provide a very accurate measure of success. The values of the world, "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16), essentially come under the heading of ambition. Ambition, in turn, is the worldly standard which expresses itself, and is manifested, by avarice, accolades, and accomplishment.

Each of us has been created with a special design and a particular role in life. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). A successful person is one who has faithfully and effectively fulfilled the plan and will of God for his life, thus fulfilling the role for which he was created.

That role will be the standard by which our lives are evaluated when we stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ. "For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble - every man's work shall be made manifest, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abides which he hath built upon it, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet as by fire" (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

Paul uniquely fulfilled the plan of the Father for his life. In the final year of his life, he was able to say, "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

What is the dynamic of such a life and confidence? That secret may be summarized by his own words: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Success in Christ as compared to worldly standards of success might best be illustrated by this little story: "A ship was arrived at the New York harbor early in the twentieth century. On shore was a huge crowd with banners waving and the people shouting. A band was playing and a parade was waiting for the arrival of a very important passenger: President Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Roosevelt and his entourage was returning from Africa where he had been on a hunting safari.

After the crowds and the parade had left, a little elderly couple - retiring missionaries returning from Africa, who had also been passengers, left the ship. Taking their dilapidated luggage with them, they wandered down the harbor until they found a little cheap hotel. Checking in, and as they settled in for the night, the man, feeling alone and dejected, said: That man spent a month in Africa hunting animals. When he returned thousands formed a great parade to greet him and to welcome him home. We spent forty years serving Christ in Africa hunting souls and there was no one here to welcome us home." His wife replied gently, "but honey, we're not home, yet." (Anonymous)

God bless you as you seek success that has Kingdom merit.

Jeff