I know what you are thinking: “Oh boy. Another blog about success.”
And in a sense you would be right. But then again, I hope you will give this post a chance to develop and get you to thinking. Deal?
The American dream is conniving and enticing. We I have in the past been duped like so many others into believing that success comes by what a person possesses or earns. I am probably preaching to the choir here when I say, “It ain’t so!”
“Tell me something I don’t already know Cycleguy.” Truthfully, I probably can’t do that. All I can really do is beat the warning drum a little more (not sure louder would work). And I can tell you from personal experience that chasing after success isn’t all its cracked up to be. In regards to our society, I have not been nor probably ever will be successful. In regards to being a pastor many, including myself, will be tempted to paint a big “L” on my forehead.
I have never pastored a mega-church. Shoot, the largest church I ever pastored numbered in the 200s. (I was once an Associate Pastor i.e. Youth Pastor in a church that ranged from 300-400).
I have never posted huge numbers of converts (that I am aware of).
I have never written a book, a song (good thing), or been in demand as a speaker.
I have never been asked to speak to other pastors in any kind of conference.
I HAVE FELT LIKE A FAILURE as a result of the above facts. All because I was taking my cue from what the church world equated success with. That isn’t even bringing in how the non-church world would view my lack of “success” financially, etc.
And you know what? That’s okay….now. Didn’t always used to be that way. I was the poster boy for “failing to view success correctly” in the church world. Bob Goff in Love Does hit it well with this quote:
I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.
Let me tell you: if that doesn’t set your heart straight, then go back to the drawing board. 
For example, I have been mega-privileged to be the father of two fantastically awesome young ladies who make me prouder of them every day. To have failed at being a father? Now that is failure! I think with the wisdom of a 59 year old now. To have been a “successful” pastor, but to have lost my girls’ love and respect would have been a real failure. I could give you some other examples of failure/success, but don’t have the space.
So…my advice? Stop looking to others for your validation and evaluation. Start looking to the ONE who is the only ONE you need to really please. If at the end of the day you can lay your head on your pillow and close your eyes knowing you have honored HIM, you are successful. What are your thoughts?
This is another post in my ongoing series on Bob Goff’s book, Love Does.
Great wisdom today. I needed to hear this.
I just started wading into this book this weekend. I will likely come back and re-read your posts on this after I am done later this week. The story about his night as a waiter was a gas!
Glad it helped Daniel. Truly hope you enjoy the book and do look forward to hearing what you have to say. As for the story: great pun.
Gosh Bill, why am I reading your blog?
Not sure Larry. You do well without my “help.”
I love that quote from the book! The book has been incredible.
Glad you are finding that also Eileen.
Hi Bill,
I like 2 Corinthians 4:1-7
vs. 7 says ‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.’
We are the foolish things chosen by God to confound the wise, the Bible says. There’s not much for us believers or christian leaders to glory about.
The church has bought into the world’s idea of success.’Bigger is best’ is the world’s mantra.
‘To serve money is better than to serve people’ is the business mantra of Canada and the USA.
I think that there are perhaps millions of people who would like to lay their heads down at night in ‘peace’, millions of people that would like to be happy and have joy in our western cultures.
Totally agree Linda. i was one of those looking for “peace” and finally found it in a Person not in a destination (success).
Amen!
Great thoughts Bill. And thanks for bringing this book to our attention. This is the best book I have read in a long time. I should have read it 30 years ago.
Thanks for the kind words Sele. Like you, I wish I had read it years ago.
I can’t say this better.
One Solitary Life:
http://www.onesolitarylifemovie.com/
Thanks Susan.
Amen Bill…the legacy we leave has to be measured against His designs for our lives…NOT the world’s. For what it’s worth Bro’, if I had a church I invite ya in a heart beat!
Like what you say about being measured Jay. Priceless thought. And I would accept in a heartbeat if for no other reason than to minister alongside you.
I think it is amazing we go through our life picking our self up by the bootstrap, not realizing there is nothing we can do if It wasn’t for Him. I am thankful for the blessings God gives me everyday and pray others soon realize He is the reason for everything we do and see.
Walk daily with God at your side!
Ed
Too much bootstrap picking in my past Ed. No more. Thanks.
Wow Bill! I didn’t think you’d be able to make the drum sound any different, but you did. True failure is not recognizing the will of God and traveling the paths He’s laid out for us.
Success at the wrong things sounds like “chasing the wind”…
I’m honored you thought I was a different drummer.
Totally agree w/ your idea of true failure.
What a great reminder. I think true success comes when a person is living out their God given purpose and being good stewards with the things He has given us.
I agree with your definition of success.
Powerful post!
I used to be obsessed with my career, when my father died my eyes were opened to what really mattered.It was a tough lesson to learn, but I’m so glad I learned it before I had a baby. Now I am able to focus on the things in life that really make a difference- not just a pay check.
Thanks TC. Aren’t you glad God’s timing is impeccable? Imagine chasing career success and trying to be a mom at the same time.
Needed this, big brother. Thanks.
God’s been showing me lately that it’s Him whose praise matters. But the old habits of trying to please everyone die hard and painfully. And the temptation to return to that habit is so enticing! Yet, it is indeed Him from whom the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” will mean life.
Thanks for the reminder, Bill.
*HUGS* and prayers for your family and OVCF.
You are so right Zee: old habits die hard. I find that occasionally as well when that desire to please creeps in. Hugs back to you lil sis.
Speaking of God’s impeccable timing…..this gave me goosebumps! I was just having this discussion with my husband last night……I will definitely have him read this when he gets home tonight. We were talking about a beloved man in the church we currently attend…he suddenly passed away last week, and everyone was saying, He served God….I told Michael nobody was defining him by his job, they all said the same thing, he served God! Just what we are supposed to do and I hope that’s what people can say when I’m gone. GREAT post Bill and I’ll have to get this book very soon!
Discussion? Looks at your husband’s below and he says “heated.”
but it sounds like you were dead on Jan. Good for you! Thanks for your input. (Sent you an email).
Holy Crap! (sorry, but..) Did you stop by our house last night and eavesdrop? Jan and I were having a rather heated discussion about my sour moods lately and she was telling me THE EXACT SAME THINGS! I’ve felt like a failure recently; being out of my chosen field, not being able to move up in my present field or job, etc, etc. And she told me that MY JOB DOESN’T DEFINE who I am, I should be looking to God for that, and that all I should be concerned about is “Am I pleasing God with my work?” Wow.
Bill- I love your preaching and teaching, your attitude, your humility, and when I’m in your services I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. My endorsement may mean nothing, but the endorsement of the Spirit I think should mean a lot. Thank you, for everything. Can’t wait to sit in on a service again.
As you can see by Jan’s comment above, she said a discussion.
But she was dead on Michael. As men we struggle with this: our job defining who we are. “if I was not a pastor who would I be?” type of question. Praise God for a discerning wife who is not afraid to speak truth into your life. You are an incredible man of God Michael who has given Jan a new lease on life and love. Thanks for your kind words and can’t wait to see you two again.
hehe, well, I guess from his perspective it was heated, I can get pretty riled up after I’ve had a couple of pepsi’s, which I had that particular day!
Ooops, that comment was from me, I haven’t had my pepsi for the day!
Ok, I am definitely not with it, I thought I had written that signed in as Michael. again, no pepsi for the day.,…I was saying that from his perspective I can see why he would think it was “heated”….I’d had a couple of pepsi’s and was pretty riled up by the time evening rolled around!
LOVE the quote and have actually been feeling a little guilty lately for not desiring worldly riches and providing them for my family. For years I chased that rabbit and wasted some valuable opportunities. Like you I just want to live and rest with Him. I am definitely going to read this book.