We define success in many ways in today’s society! Some would base it off
money, status, careers, how we look, our kids’ sports involvement, and the list goes
on and on.
My question for you is HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? As a person, spouse, and a
parent our definition of success is ultimately our motivation. When we have a
concrete definition of success we can begin to build a plan of how to achieve that
success.
I know for my family and myself this is a struggle at times. I want to be liked; I want to
have kids that are well behaved; I want to have a good house, and at times I want to
see my kids do well in sports. But for who? ME. Success can be hard because we live
in a world that tells us our success is all about US, ME, MYSELF.
As a believer in Christ this definition must start with that in mind. You see we are
called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. Matthew 22:37 tells us
“Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.” For me this is how I base success. Have I loved God with all
my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind? Sadly, I fail often, but the good
news is I am trying.
When trying to LOVE GOD is my motivation my thoughts are different, my language
is different, my actions are different, how I treat my wife is different all because of
who I am trying to love. There will come a time when I must stand before God
and give an account of my life as a man, husband, and father. God will not ask about
my house, or how much money I made, or the car I drove, or how many travel
tournaments my kids played in. We will look at all the areas I missed for HIS
GLORY and KINGDOM. Nothing else.
So, you can strive every day to make the most money, hard work is not the issue.
You can chase your dreams all day, dreams are not a bad thing.
You can put your kids in all the stuff you want, being busy is not the problem.
THE PROBLEM IS THE MOTIVATION!!
The problem is our HEART. Matthew 6: 21tells us “For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”
So, what is your motivation that defines your success? Is our heart for God driving
you, or is it our heart for us?
I want to leave you with 3 things to help redefine your motivation and definition of
success.
1. Pray. Through conversation with God things will be revealed to us.
Conviction, direction, and motivation will happen; but only when we take
time to ask will answers be given.
2. Come up with a personal mission statement. This might sound weird, but
when you have a personal mission and it includes, or better is surrounded by
Loving God and loving others, it will keep you focused on what is most
important.
3. Change. Once you realize the areas that need to be different, the biggest step
to take is to change. Change those areas that need it. Get better at the areas
that are good.
At the end of the day what is most important is our relationship with God and what
we are doing for His kingdom. As a person, a spouse, and parent. Keep what
matters most in the front and let God handle the rest.
We are all guilty of being selfish, but the beautiful thing is we serve a God that is
loving and forgiving.
Keep up the fight and thanks for reading.
Have a super, awesome, good-time day.
Paul Dunbar