Success in God’s Eyes: The True Measure of a Successful Life

The world measures success by wealth, popularity and influence; the Bible measures it by faithfulness, humility and fruitfulness. This article explores what genuine success means in God’s eyes, the attitudes that derail it, and the practical keys to pursuing it without losing your soul.

Two Definitions of Success

The world’s definition of success is to be wealthy, popular and influential, even if this is obtained at the expense of personal integrity and character, yet Solomon — who possessed all three — concluded that earthly success was meaningless (Eccl 2:4-11). Seeming success does not necessarily indicate God’s approval of our actions: we need His perspective, not our own warped view or opinion (Dan 4:30-32; Rev 3:17). Jesus told of a rich fool who mistook personal accomplishment for success, rather than seeing the bigger picture, in which the abundance of possessions is not the standard of true success (Lk 12:15-21).

By contrast, success in God’s eyes is achieved through the right relationships and reaching the right destiny. To succeed in the Kingdom of God requires humility and obedience to our Creator, not material goods or status.

Do we desire to be successful in man’s or God’s eyes?

It is the outcome of loving Him, humbly obeying His Word, living in righteousness and love, and allowing the Holy Spirit to accomplish in and through us the divine will (1 Kgs 2:3; Mic 6:8; Lk 1:38, 6:46). Repeatedly in the Old Testament, as long as the various kings sought the Lord, God gave success, but independence and pride led to national downfall.

The Key to Success: Abiding in Christ

These words of Jesus hold the key to being successful in the Christian life: “He who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit, for without me you can do nothing”, for success in the spiritual sense of fruitfulness can only come as we remain in vital relationship with God (Jn 15:4-5). He continues, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (Jn 15:7). A true disciple of Christ, who abides in Him, and in whom His word abides, will not ask anything but what is in harmony with the will of God (1 Jn 5:14-15). It will not be for temporal things, such as riches, honours, profits and pleasures, but for things of a spiritual nature.

Do I have a life connection to Christ?

Meditation on Scripture is a foundation for success in the Bible (Josh 1:7-8; Ps 1:1-3, 119:9,11,97-100,165; Rom 10:17; 2 Tim 3:15). Real success, in the framework of eternity, is not determined by what we are or have done, but rather by what we can be and could have done. It is essential to read and study God’s Word, putting its teachings into practice; then our prayers will be effective as we obey and do what pleases Him (Jas 1:22, 5:16; 1 Jn 3:22). The Bible’s instruction is “Commit your plans to God and they will succeed”, resulting in numerous blessings (Deut 28:1-14; Prov 16:3). Even our failure can be turned into success when Jesus is ‘in our boat’ (Lk 5:3-11).

As nothing can succeed against God, or without Him, be in tune with His voice, and do what Jesus says. “If this activity is of human origin it will fail, but if it is of God nothing will be able to stop it, and you will be fighting against God” (Prov 21:30; Act 5:38-39). Maintain a positive, optimistic confession – “I can do all things through Christ” – by being like Caleb who wouldn’t let the problems and unbelief of others rob him of what he believed God had put into his heart and was therefore achievable (Num 13:30, 14:30; Josh 14:6-14; Phil 4:13). The ‘giants’ that stand in the way are no match for faith and commitment, as David proved, but it is essential to continue to rely humbly on God for His enabling ability — remembering the Lord your God, “for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deut 8:18; Jdg 7:2; 1 Sam 17:45-50; 2 Chr 26:5,16).

Be prepared to pay the price

Quitters never win, and winners never quit, as they are not derailed by the trials and challenges of life, instead seeing them as stepping-stones to maturity, not as obstacles preventing advancement, for success involves common sense coupled with uncommon levels of discipline and persistence.

There will be setbacks and failures along the way, for no worthwhile goal is ever reached without resistance. Yet as these obstacles are overcome, they develop character and resilience, sharpening our desire to break through into victory (Rom 5:3-4; Jas 1:2-4,12). Rather than reading adversity as a signal to abandon the pursuit, treat each test as an investment in the person you are becoming — for God is frequently more concerned with developing the man or woman than with instantly delivering the prize. The very difficulties meant to discourage us can, instead, become the training ground where patience is proven, motives are purified, and dependence on God is deepened (2 Cor 4:16-17; 1 Pet 1:6-7).

Success is achieved through learning from failure

There is a price to pay. Success is never discounted: it costs time, effort, sacrifice and the discipline to keep going when feelings and circumstances both say otherwise (Lk 9:62; 2 Tim 2:3-6). Count the cost beforehand, and then pay it willingly — what is obtained cheaply is seldom valued highly, and those who expect the reward without the grind will always be disappointed. The depth of our commitment determines the height of our achievement, so settle the issue in advance: whatever the price, it is worth paying for what God has placed in your heart.

Have a goal to aim at, something to plan and work towards, with obstacles and discouragement overcome by holding fast with faith, endurance and patience. Know what God wants you to achieve and let nothing stop you from reaching it, with His help and your own integrity. Conscientiously perform the required tasks, even the less than enjoyable ones, knowing they are part of the overall package. Even if you don’t reach the heights you dream of, you will be at a much higher level than if you never ventured forth, and all who faithfully serve God, even with limited results, will be winners in the final analysis (1 Cor 9:24-27; Phil 3:14).

What is your God-given goal?

Successful people overcome failure, setbacks and obstacles, using the pain of failure to spur growth and maybe even a new approach, focusing on what they can fix or influence by drawing on the competencies of others, enlisting them on their team, instead of complaining or giving up.

Guarding Against the Pride of Achievement

When success is achieved – through ability, diligence and hard work – there is the danger of basking in the accolades of others, besides wrongly presuming we have what it takes to make it on our own. Such proud and arrogant attitudes are likely to result in humiliation, for pride goes before a fall (Prov 16:8; 1 Cor 10:12). God Almighty declared, “Not by might nor by power [human effort], but by my Spirit” (Zech 4:6).

Although we are to actively and persistently apply ourselves with lots of hard work, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain” (Ps 127:1), so co-operate in what He is doing rather than striving ‘in the flesh’.

Don’t sell out to short-term success over long-term security

Otherwise we risk “gaining the whole world and losing our own soul” (Mt 16:26). Don’t let complacency creep in when you think you have mastered something or reached a goal – there are always higher ‘mountains to climb’ and higher levels of proficiency to attain, so walk in humility. Commit yourself and all your affairs into God’s hands and focus on laying up treasure in heaven (Ps 37:5; Mt 6:19-21; Jas 4:15).

Reflection and Application

Measure success by faithfulness and obedience to God, not by wealth, popularity or possessions.
Abide in Christ daily: meditate on Scripture and put its teachings into practice, so your prayers are effective.
Commit your plans to God, persevere with discipline and patience, and let no obstacle or discouragement stop you.
When you succeed, stay humble — give God the glory and store up treasure in heaven, not on earth.