Thoughts on Success
The Enduring Good
A definition of success is as elusive as its attainment. A Japanese wise man concluded that “food is the origin of success” (Namboku Mizuno, Food Governs Your Destiny, p. 29). That seems to be a most rudimentary observation. We cannot exist without food. On the other hand could one run out of food and still be successful? Lord Byron wrote, “They never fail who die
In a great cause” (Lord Byron, Marino Faliero, Act II, scene 2). That definition seems more satisfying. Nevertheless, while the noble sentiment of Lord Byron exceeds the epicurean thought of the Japanese sage, the nature of success remains untouched if not rarely considered. Yet, thus is my objective: to seek understanding success in light of Scripture.
Thus, success, a concept with diverse interpretations, is best understood through a lens of spiritual and ethical principles. It’s about grasping our relationship with God and understanding ourselves. The definition of success hinges on the greatest loss and the greatest gain.
What is important – what I consider success – is that we make a contribution to our world.—Dr. Ben Carson, Think Big (1992) (p. 261)
Gain and Loss
Attaining every ambition while losing your soul is a failure in the greatest possible existential sense. All are lost in this world, but attaining eternal life brings success. With those vectors established, one then assesses how to avoid and attain the former.
God and Man
True success lies in recognizing our limitations in attaining righteousness and the necessity for divine intervention. This pinnacle of success is embracing righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, who led a life of perfect righteousness and bore the weight of our sins. Engaging in this cosmic exchange, where we receive His righteousness in exchange for our sins, marks the true essence of success. However, this only renders other pursuits insignificant. Instead, success extends from a foundational relationship with God to encompass all human relationships. The construct of human relationships is held together by a man and woman in holy matrimony. This is the first and most necessary relation. All other familial and social relationships are extensions of this union. This, union in God through Christ blesses the union of Man, male and female. The union of holy matrimony supports family, community, and tribe or nation.
Out of this priority comes the blessing of work. “Six days shalt thou labor. . .”
I fear the popular notion of success stands in direct opposition in all points to the real and wholesome success.—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882), American writer. 'Success', Society and Solitude (1870)
Work
The sanctity of work, as divinely ordained, is indisputable, though often misunderstood. Some say that work is a curse. Others believe that work is our highest pursuit. The truth is that work is a sacred mandate, but it is a function of a relationship with God and others. It cannot exist and bring final fulfillment apart from God, wife—family emigrating from matrimony—and other human beings.
Humanity’s original task to tend the Garden of Eden highlights the inherent holiness of labor. The fall may have altered the nature of work, introducing toil and hardship, yet the work vocation remains divinely sanctioned. Work, thus, is not solitary but a collective endeavor, often harmonized by the complementary strengths of men and women. Success in work is not solely about individual toil but collaboration, especially within the family context, whether single or married; effective work involves engaging with others.
At the core of successful work is the metaphor of gardening. Our responsibilities—cultivating the soil, planting, and weeding—are critical, but ultimate success depends on God’s providence, such as rainfall and sunlight. Our role is to prepare and nurture diligently, awaiting God’s blessings for growth. Success in any field, from aviation to homemaking, hinges on diligent preparation, prayerful submission to God, and gratitude for our achievements.
A Word about Commerce
In business, success is not just about pricing but adding value. Enhancing an organization’s worth involves improving the quality and excellence of its offerings, not merely cutting costs. Recognizing that the most valuable asset of any organization is its people. Prioritizing your personal as precious gifts is central to this philosophy of success. The axiom, “Excellence in all things and all things for Christ,” encapsulates this belief. It encourages us to pursue excellence in every endeavor, aligning our actions with a higher, Christ-centered purpose. This is success.