And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. (Mark 1:37-38) 

 

How do you define success? According to the dictionary, success is ‘meeting, or achieving a desired outcome.’ Therefore, success is measured by our achievements, accomplishment, or talents. This often translates to money, fame or power. But, how does GOD define success? 

 

God defines success as fulfilling His will and purposes in our lives. Based upon this definition Jesus was the most successful person to ever live, being the only one to have perfectly fulfilled God’s will. So, how exactly did Jesus live?

Jesus’ entire purpose was to bring humanity, us, back to God. He wanted as many people as possible to experience God’s grace and forgiveness. But, the disciples didn’t always get it. 

 

In Mark, we read that as Jesus went to spend time with God, putting God first, the disciples begin to worry. When Jesus returned, Peter had a few concerns: “Everyone is looking for You,” he said. Now what Peter was really saying was – “Jesus, where have you been? There are 200 people outside looking to be healed! We have the largest church in the region and the momentum is really taking off! Let’s stay focused and get to work.” (My paraphrase). 

 

But Jesus, having spent time with God, remained focused on His mission – instead of catering to the growing crowd, He told Peter that it was time to move on. Yes, miracles are important, ministry is important, helping is important – but nobody’s heart is changed by miracles alone. Jesus remained focused on His calling by staying connected to God, even in the face of His disciples’ good intentions. This is how He was successful. 

 

Our lives are full of distractions: family, friends, work, obligations, social media. Not all distractions are bad, but if we aren’t careful we can lose sight of God’s purpose for our lives. So how do you define success? Is the success you’re seeking only temporary, or is it an eternal success that lasts? May each of us BE SUCCESSFUL – God’s way! 

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is Galatians 5:14