What Does Success Look Like?

As a young man I thought success was pastoring a large church, authoring many books, and being considered smart by my peers. I guess that sounds good, and probably it isn't all bad, but I certainly have a different idea of what success is today. I watch a Joyce Meyers clip from the ABC News program Nightline, and was quite impressed with what Joyce was doing around the world.  She does get criticized for her prosperity style ministry with corporate jets, and million dollar homes, but who are we to stand in judgment of how God has blessed her. Some say that her flamboyant lifestyle is her reward now, much like Jesus said about those wanting to be seen by others doing good, have their reward. 

Matthew 6:1-2 Giving to the Needy  1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.  2“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Even though Joyce Meyers has every right to work hard and reap the fruit of her labor in this life, is it the best way to awaken people to the message of sacrifice?  Christianity at it's core is a message of sacrifice.When you forgive others for things they have done to you, you are sacrificing your right to be mad and get even.  When you give sacrificially to the cause of the gospel, you have sacrificed some creature comfort for yourself for the sake of others. When you deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Him, you are sacrificing your dreams, and  ambitions with sacrificing personal achievement for the purpose of making the gospel known in our world.  The Bible is filled with examples of how we are to live our lives in the spirit and manner that Jesus lived His. He didn't live in a penthouse of His day, or ride the best camel , it was said that Jesus didn't even have a place to lay his head.  Matthew 8:20  20And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” So success isn't in the things you do, or in the things you have, success is found in the way you honor Him in your life. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," these are the words that will be spoken to those who will not allow this life to set the boundaries on how we will serve and honor Him.  The successful person places Him first in everything, and then admits it when they fail to do it.  Joyce Meyers has a place in God's Kingdom, and she is doing what she feels is best. Only God knows her heart and her motives, as is the case with all of us.  May we always decide to be successful by making Him look good by placing Him first in all that we do. http://blogs.abcnews.com/nightlinedailyline/2010/04/a-day-spent-with-evangelist-joyce-meyer Until next time, keep it honest and trustful.....K