A Meditation on Success

“For perseverance is the hallmark of genuine believers.” – John Stott

If indeed our present troubles and sufferings do not compare to the glory that awaits us, then why do we consider our present successes as the primary indicators of our worth and glory? Should they not, also, pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us (Isa 64:6)? On my good days I believe this; may the Lord grant me such assurance and peace even on my bad days. 

Perhaps, we aren’t meant for glory, but only to share in His (Rom 8:17). Perhaps, we are just meant to make it. To remain. Having done all to stand (Eph 6:13) or run (1 Cor 9:42). And whether we are gasping for breath or leaping victoriously across the finish line, our Father is just overjoyed to see that we have made it to the end. 

Matthew 25:23

Well done, good and faithful…

There is no measure for faithfulness other than first breath to last breath. Moment to moment we are faithful and then unfaithful. Year to year we endure and bow out. Heartbeat to heart stop, may we be known for perseverance and repentance. A rhythm of pain and endurance, elation and gratitude, as we run the marathon with no clearly marked finish line (2 Tim 4:7; Isa 40:31). 

Perhaps, the motivation for results should not be temporal – even results that can be considered good, worthy, or holy. Perhaps, great signs and wonders were never the goal (John 14:12-14). Perhaps winning souls and making disciples should not be our motivations as much as our mile markers. Perhaps, we’re both too hard and too easy on ourselves. Perhaps our feelings are not bad compasses as much as they are heart monitors. Or maybe both. Perhaps, we should just be known by him and know him and let all things flow from that. Whether grandiose or miniscule. What if success has nothing to do with our timeline?

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Perhaps, in our high achieving, pressurized world we view the humble life, being ourselves softly, with disdain (Wieseltier). What if the array of options, the constant inspiration, the no-excuses be-all-you-can-be culture of social media influencers ‘cheering’ us on is the greatest hinderance to our steady paced race (Heb 12:1)? Am I supposed to be great at everything I possibly can? Am I even meant to be great at all (Micha 6:8)? If no one else is on the track but me then is the race truly about winning or just finishing?

Perhaps, in hoping for prosperity and blessing, great works and successes, we’ve been taught that our suffering, or even more harrowing, our lack of high achievement, is the result of our lack of faith, lack of confession and inability to claim the precious promises through force of will (2 Pet 1:4). 

With every coach, pastor, teacher, influencer we are reminded (albeit with good intentions) that there is no excuse for us not to succeed. That we can do anything through effort, faith, perspective, etc. So, if we do nothing, or only one thing, or a small thing, or a failed thing, we really have no one to blame but ourselves. Perhaps, we have let our oh so big God down too, because, after all, He can do anything, so why haven’t we, through Him, performed even greater works than Christ? Is that the point? Spectacle and awe and wonder? Have you too heard the celebrity say ‘all glory to God’ as they bask in the praises of their fans? Maybe God never asked for it, because He looks on the heart and knows our motivations. Does he really need our bulls (Isa 1:11)?

Hosea 6:6“I don’t want your sacrifices—I want your love; I don’t want your offerings—I want you to know me.”

What is success in the Kingdom of God after all? If ours is to go and make disciples (Matt 28:16-20), and a disciple is never fully made, then we have only to keep our hands to the work, faithfully, until we’re called home. Without performance indicators, without esteem, without fame, without even gratitude sometimes. If that be our cross to bear, our race to run, then let God be called wise and just and man’s plans come to ruin (Luke 9:23; Rom 3:4; 1 Thes 5:18; Heb 13:20-21).

A long obedience in the same direction…

Perhaps Jesus, our rabbi, came in the time and region of slow, shepherding and farming for a very specific reason. Pre-industrial. Not measured by speed and production but by seasons. Slow. Good years and bad. Great crops and lost crops. Weeding, pruning, tilling, and passing the farm on one day. 

Maybe, just maybe, our motivations should be leaving behind a field that can be farmed, a flock that can be guided, a legacy of faithfulness, and a heart after God. To know Him, to be known by Him, and to slip quietly into obscurity and the embrace of the Father.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

 Now all has been heard; 

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,    

for this is the duty of all mankind. 

For God will bring every deed into judgment,    

including every hidden thing,    

whether it is good or evil.

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Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson

Against Identity by Leon Wieseltier

The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas

Leading with a Limp – Mark Sayers and Scott Sauls