Success

This term can be a moving target. It has multiple meanings. For example, success can be simply an achieved goal or it can mean achievement that brings tremendous financial gain. I believe different perspectives define success differently. I think a person who has made a lot of money would define himself or herself as successful, however, if they earned the money with despicable behavior and dishonesty, I would not call them a success. I would describe them as a rich, arrogant thief. Some of the most successful people I know were not wealthy in money, but were filthy rich in love.

Jeremiah was prophesying judgment on the kings of Israel and Judah for their ruthless leadership that has brought the demise of their kingdom. He describes what success could be. Check this out….

13 “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness,

    his upper rooms by injustice,

making his own people work for nothing,

    not paying them for their labor.

14 He says, ‘I will build myself a great palace

    with spacious upper rooms.’

So he makes large windows in it,

    panels it with cedar

    and decorates it in red.

15 “Does it make you a king

    to have more and more cedar?

Did not your father have food and drink?

    He did what was right and just,

    so all went well with him.

16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy,

    and so all went well.

Is that not what it means to know me?”

    declares the Lord.

17 “But your eyes and your heart

    are set only on dishonest gain,

on shedding innocent blood

    and on oppression and extortion.” (Jeremiah 22:13-17 NIV)

 

I want to know the Lord.

I want to follow His leading on my life.

I want the blessings He gives me to bless others.

I want to help those who are helpless.

I want to defend the cause of the poor and needy.

I want my life plan to come straight from the heart of God so that in everything I do, I bring honor and respect to Him. That will be what makes me successful.

Pressing On!

Dwayne