Success. We strive for it, rise before dawn to work on it, and work long hours to attain a certain level of achievement.
Sadly, once we’ve arrived, we are never really satisfied, so we search for the next ladder to scale, hoping it will culminate with a sense of fulfillment.
Interestingly, the success Scripture speaks of has nothing to do with achievements, having an expensive home, or earning a six-figure income. Instead, God places a high premium on retaining His Word. He sets an even higher value on obeying it. These two principles should go hand in hand.
Retaining God’s Word isn’t enough because we may become puffed up with knowledge. The Pharisees and Sadducees were masters of pontification, yet their hearts were far from God (Matthew 15:8). God expects us to do something with what we know. His truth should be lived out, not just discussed. When we purpose to be doers and not merely hearers of God’s Word, God will not withhold His blessings.
Too often, we correlate material possessions with blessings. Yet it isn’t what we possess in the natural realm that defines success—that is only excess. Real success and blessings come with spiritual maturity.
Scripture shows God blessing His people (Psalm 1:1-3, James 1:21-25). God wants us to understand His blessings trump worldly wealth or the accolades of others. The dividends of our spiritual growth far outweigh all the riches of this world.
God desires to prosper you spiritually. Be faithful in doing His will so He can. Remember, the true measure of success in God’s estimation is all that matters.
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Nydia DiCarali resides in New York with her husband of twenty-two years and is the mother of two teenagers. A Christian for more than twenty-four years, Nydia teaches women’s Bible studies and has coordinated retreats and conferences to further encourage others to continue to walk by faith. She believes that when we allow ourselves to be governed by God’s Word we can live as more than conquerors.