The world defines success in terms of achieving one’s goal, acquiring wealth, status, prestige and power. Successful people are those defined as people enjoying the good life. In short, dollars, power and status is the central definitions of success in the world today. Such definitions have many fatal flaws when we consider the lives of the rich and famous whose lives are wrecked by pain and tragedies.

Is Jesus A Failure?
If the life of Jesus is to be measured by the world’s standard, then Jesus was a failure. He was born in a manger. He worked as a carpenter, He had no credentials, degrees, awards, prestige, status, possessions, stocks, bonds, insurance, car or a home. Nothing. He was rejected, hated, spit at, cursed, beaten, mocked and ultimately put to death on the cross. Many of His own people rejected Him. Even His own friends and those closest to him deserted, deny and betray him.

But Jesus died for our sins so that we can have eternal lives. Jesus has no wealth, status, prestige and power.The cruxifiction and suffering of Jesus did not kill His teachings nor reduce His followings.On the contrary His teachings and followers increased significantly to millions worldwide. So is He a failure?

Success According to the Bible
God’s measurement of success is defined differently from that of the world. God’s measure of success involves our obedience and faithfulness to Him, regardless of the opposition and trials we face. In short God’s measure of our success is whether or not we are being loyal to Him and obey Him.

The determination of whether one is successful or not is answered by whether or not one is satisfied with one’s life. It should not be based on or measured by someone else’s standards. We should determine what our success is by God’s standards for He is the one who has created us and He is the one who will judge us and by His standards. Success is much more than just money and status. All others is temporary. When we leave this world, none of it will be of any use to us nor will it guarantee us eternal life. So should we define money and status, which is temporary, as real success? Who amongst the rich today can guarantee their happiness on earth and in heaven?

Does God Want Us To Succeed?
God is not in the failure business. The scriptural truth is, God wants us to succeed. God’s condition for success is simple - Obey Him and Obey His Laws.

God Wants Us to Succeed
Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

God Wants Us to Prosper
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God Gave Us the Ability to Produce Wealth
Deuteronomy 8:18 - He gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Paul Hata is active in various community and social programs aimed at providing access to education and training to all. Access 1000s of Educational, Training and Degree Programs here - WorldChristianPages.com and ChristianWorldPages.com

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