What Is Success?

Some years ago a 310-pound defensive tackle playing for the Chicago Bears became a national celebrity. William Perry, better known as “the refrigerator,” in a four-week period ran the ball for yardage, caught a pass for a touchdown, and ran for another. It was the first time in football history that a defensive tackle had ever been given the ball to carry to make a touchdown. The American public was captivated by this out-of-the-ordinary event. In fact, sportscasters said it put the fun back in football. Perry became an instant celebrity. He made appearances on the Tonight show, the Today show, and many of the network evening news shows. There were as many as one hundred requests per day for endorsements with more than $750 thousand in fees paid to him. Meanwhile his mother said, “I know he was good, but I don’t think he’s that good.” His wife said, “This was great for a while, but now it’s ridiculous. It’s gotten out of hand.” Perry himself said, “As fast as it comes, that’s how fast it goes.” He was right. Now it’s as if the event never occurred.

So, what is real success? The Scripture has some very specific things to say about the answer to that question. Two of the wise sayings of Solomon capture the gist of success.

Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth. If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. (Ecclesiastes 11:1-4 ESV).

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7 ESV).

I found the following list not long ago. Perhaps it will provide you with some goals for success in your life too. Success is…

 to laugh often and love much;
 to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children;
 to earn the approval of honest critics and endure the betrayal of friends;
 to appreciate beauty;
 to find the best in others;
 to give of yourself without the slightest thought of return;
 to have accomplished a task, however small or large;
 to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and exuberance; and
 to know that even one person’s life has been made easier because you have lived.

Perhaps you can add others to the list. All of our successes however ought to begin with the fear of the Lord. Begin there today and keep going! Don’t wait for the “perfect conditions.” Now is the time to succeed in your life.