Success comes in all different shapes and sizes. Everyone probably has a slightly different idea of what success looks like. But a very basic definition is achieving our aims (whatever they may be). We often tend to think of success in terms of having a good job, being rich, and having influence. Today, let’s consider what God thinks about that type of success. 1) We can be successful and spiritual at the same time. We might think that humility only really comes when we don’t have much and we have to rely on God to provide for us. But if we believe that ‘everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory’ (Romans 11:36 NLT), we’ll realise that everything we have really belongs to God, not to us, and we can be thankful for whatever He’s blessed us with, whether it’s a lot or a little. The Bible tells us that ‘As long as [Uzziah] sought guidance from the LORD, God gave him success.’ The king’s success came from being humble enough to ask God for help and not just rely on his own strength and wisdom. 2) We shouldn’t be afraid of success. As soon as someone achieves or gains something, there are often people around who are jealous of their success, and ready to criticise and tear them down. Having success and influence comes with a lot of responsibility, and we might not feel qualified or even want that pressure. But Paul wrote, ‘We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going’ (2 Corinthians 4:9 TLB). If God’s granted us success, we can be certain we’re right where He wants us to be, and we can (and should) turn to Him for guidance, support, and encouragement.

What Now?

Write a list of all the successes, big or small, that you’ve experienced in the past week. Go through your list and thank God for each thing, one by one.