More Experience With Success

I began to realize that I was chasing the world’s concept of success.  I was told what the

world thought success was and I pursued it, not realizing that I didn’t want it.  Being in

charge of the world’s money supply wasn’t in the cards for me.  Thank God! 

I never realized that I was successful and that I had been for a very long time.  I was chasing an idea of success that wasn’t mine.  Yes, I owned it by the ideas, beliefs and attitudes that I had learned in my childhood and was reinforced in my teenage and early adult years, but I continued to own it for much of my life just because I was not aware of the truth.   

When I began to look around, I saw that I had a strong relationship with my Creator. I had the respect and love of my kids.  I had my health and intelligence.  I had so many positives in my life, even in spite of the difficulties but I was deceived into thinking that I wasn’t worth very much.  I now know that I am successful not only because I have all of the things that were mentioned above, but also because of the value and worth I bring to others’ lives.  I don’t mean monetary value but the positive comment in the midst of a negative atmosphere.  They are the words of encouragement to someone who is feeling down or left out.  It’s having the conviction to stand my ground on what I believe to be true or right no matter what the consequences.  Maybe yes, I have been successful for most of my life. 

It’s time for you to take a look at your own life.  Who defines whether you are successful or not?  We all are social creations.  We all strive at some level to be accepted.  That feeling of acceptance is what many people seek as their measure of success.  If people around us are praising us then we must be doing well!  So at this point we need to be honest (honesty is a key to success in life) with ourselves.  Friends, family, co-workers or business partners and the expectations of society have determined success in general for most people.  It’s hard to admit, but it’s true, if you examine the things you have been striving for, you are sure to find many of the people who fall into the groups mentioned above have shaped you and your definition of success.  But who should define success in your life? 

I am going to go out on a limb here; I am suggesting that success should be defined by God and by your relationship with Him.  I know that I turned some people off with that statement but I ask you to suspend all fear, doubt and disbelief.  Will you do that?  Are you willing to continue with the program?  If what I have to say isn’t true, real and relevant to you by the time you complete this program then you can disregard what I say and just go back to your old ways. 

Yes, your definition of success should be based on God!  It has been said “He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”i  In other words, if you are doing the right things for the right reasons, you will be successful.

Michael at R2W