Success is the prompt word this week for Five Minute Friday. Everyone has an idea of what it means to be successful. Maybe for some it’s making lots of money. For others it might be having all family members get along with each other.
Or maybe it’s just finishing something you started, or completing an assignment. Maybe it’s beating an illness or getting a reward for being the best in your field.
In our individualistic, me-first society, it seems so many are scrambling to get to the top, wherever that is. But even if goals are met, there isn’t always satisfaction of a job well done.
[bctt tweet=”Even if there is success, there is that longing for what is next, that something else that might be better. We reach a goal, but we either do not find happiness or at best, it is only temporary.” username=”GaylWright”]
It seems like it’s hard to be satisfied or content. I think maybe we need to take another look at what really defines success. I don’t have all the answers, but there are some clues in the Bible. Consider these verses in Proverbs:
Proverbs 16:16, 20-21 (CSB)
16 Get wisdom—
how much better it is than gold!
And get understanding—
it is preferable to silver.20 The one who understands a matter finds success,
and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.21 Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,
and pleasant speech increases learning.
A Different Kind of Success
These scriptures seem to tell us that instead of striving to get to the top or to be the best, we should seek for wisdom and understanding. In our relationships with others we should always listen to one another, trying to understand even when we disagree.
[bctt tweet=”If my goal is to have wisdom and understanding, my life will be successful in a different way.” username=”GaylWright”]
When I put my trust in God, seek to know Him and His ways, I have joy and peace. Instead of trying to get ahead, I am able to encourage others, knowing that we are all on this journey of life.
We are all in a different place in our lives, some have more experience than others. But each of us has something to bring to one another. We find our success in working together.
[bctt tweet=”Those who are ahead can reach back to give a hand to those faltering. Our goal is for everyone to reach the finish line. Then we will truly know success.” username=”GaylWright”]
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday
Love that idea of gaining wisdom and understanding being the measure of success.
Thank you.
Your FMF Neighbour #44
Thank you, Liz. The world has so many definitions of success, but I prefer what God says. Blessings to you! Thanks for visiting.
Dear Gayl,
These are such good thoughts, looking to the Scriptures for a more true meaning of success. I know I need more of God’s discernment and understanding because my own is so limited. We make it all so complicated, when His peace in found when we trust HIM for the answers. Thank you so much for sharing this today, Dear Friend! Love & Hugs! xoxo
Thank you, dear Bettie! Yes, the Scriptures are so full of wisdom and truth and a true dose of reality. I know what you mean about making things so complicated. We all need to be reminded to look to Him and not our own strength. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo
I love this, Gayle. You are doing so well with your photography and writing. Proud of you!
Karen, thank you so much! I really appreciate your encouragement. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xo
Success can mean so many things,
but they’re not mine, so what the hell,
I’ll face that which the future brings,
and count success in dying well.
There were thing I might have done
that would have reached sunlit heights,
but that which life has now become
can be seen as ultima thule of frights.
Metastases are running wild,
and seek to take my hopeful heart,
so there’s no scope in being mild
to that which would tear me apart.
The only honour in this death
is the sword I wield in my last breath.
Andrew, you may not be successful in the world’s eyes, but I’m sure God is well pleased with you. You are shining your light brightly even as your body is failing. You are such an inspiration to all. Blessings to you and Barb and your dogs!
good reminder to look for what success truly is. Visiting from #47 at FMF.
Thank you, Annette! Yes, it helps to remind ourselves that the Scriptures give us a different view than the world’s idea. Blessings to you!