Success 

   “O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!” (Ps 118: 25) 

   From an early age we are taught to seek success in life.  Our lives are defined by the success we have achieved.  But what truly constitutes success in life?

   Success in this world can be a fickle thing.  When the market crashed in the great depression many who had gained great financial success took their own lives when their fortune was wiped out.  Those in professional sports can have tremendous success and then lose it all in the blink of an eye because of serious injury.  Those who are on top of the world today can lose everything and be forgotten tomorrow.

   It’s natural and good to strive to do our best in life, but true success has little to do with our financial or professional status.  The success that matters is becoming nearer and nearer to God, becoming one with our Creator.  Worldly success can be fleeting, but spiritual growth is everlasting.

   If I have faith and trust in God I am successful regardless of my status in the world.  Some of the happiest people in the world are poor by worldly standards but rich in the love of God.  On the other hand, some of the most successful people are miserable, fearing the loss of their worldly success.  Only through God can real success be realized.

   When we stand before Jesus at our judgement, He won’t ask about our financial success but whether we helped those who needed help.  He won’t care how many trophies we won but if we loved God and neighbor.