The Measure of True Success Today, January 01, 2015, 7 hours ago | [email protected] (Grace to You)Go to full article “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1:1). God is more interested in your faithfulness than He is in your accomplishments. Our society is success oriented. We love success stories. We even have television programs that exalt the lifestyles of the rich and famous. But Gods standard for success is quite different. Unimpressed by our status or wealth, He looks instead for faithfulness to His will. Paul understood that principle and diligently pursued his calling as an apostle—one of those unique men who were foundational to the church and recipients, teachers, and writers of the New Testament. That was a high calling, yet judging from Pauls lifestyle most people would hardly call him successful— having suffered imprisonments, beatings, death threats, shipwrecks, robberies, hatred from his theological enemies, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements (2 Cor. 11:23-27). But none of those things deterred him from obeying Gods will. His final testimony was, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). Thats true success! Although were not apostles, were to follow Pauls example of faithfulness (1 Cor. 11:1). Thats possible because, like the Ephesian believers, we are “saints [holy ones] . . . who are faithful in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1:1). By Gods grace weve trusted in Christ as our Lord and Savior (Eph. 2:8-9) and received His righteousness (Phil. 3:9), Spirit (Eph. 3:16), and every spiritual resource necessary for faithful, victorious Christian living (Eph. 1:3). What remains is to cultivate greater love for Christ and more consistent obedience to His Word. Those are the hallmarks of a true disciple and Gods measure of success. Make it your goal that your life today warrants the Lords commendation, “Well done, good and faithful [servant]” (Matt. 25:21). Suggestions for Prayer Praise God for His wonderful grace, by which He granted you salvation and all the spiritual resources you need. Thank Him for His Word, where you learn the principles of godly living. Ask Him for opportunities today to encourage the faithfulness of others. For Further Study Read Ephesians 1:3-4; 2:10; Titus 2:11-12. What is the goal of your salvation? Are you living each day in light of that goal?
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 15:23:24 +0000
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