It’s Mind Right Monday….and Success is as Success does!
I usually don’t go “Bible” on Mondays, but I attended a memorial service on yesterday of a woman I didn’t know—mother of a friend. In many ways, it was a great expression and celebration of the life of a very successful woman. Through the words of those present, I learned that her love and dedication to family and friends was unquestionable; her generous spirit was far reaching; and her desire to celebrate life was unmatched. Their words touched my heart and made me think about my relationships with family and friends—and I love when that happens.
The services were held at a church whose denomination beliefs are totally unfamiliar to me. However, there were family and friends on the program who were definitely born again Christians. One of her brothers (who is a minister of the Christian faith) admitted that he had shared the Word of God with her and expressed that it was the first time he had witnessed that she was visibly moved by them but was not aware that she made a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior.
This experience led to this morning’s question. Can one be successful apart from God? Many would say yes.
Joshua 1:8 reminds us of this, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Another verse that comes to mind is Matthew 16:26 which ask the question, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
In my mind these scriptures point out that success a part from God comes at a cost—a price that I am unwilling to pay.
Attending that service made me think about a lot of things—how I treat my loved ones; how I treat my friends; and what does success really looks like. In the end, it was a reminder that life (and success) can only be measured through the eyes of a great and wonderful God.
It’s Mind Right Monday….Success is as Success does.