This word has been on my mind a lot for the last few years. If you’ve listened to our podcasts, you’ve probably heard me say this statement on a number of different occasions (I’ll try to make this the last)… “Success is not what I’ve done compared to what others have done. Success is what I have done compared to what God has called me to do.” I couldn’t remember before where I had first heard that quote, but it was from Lecrae’s book Unashamed. It’s a great summary as a Christian because it focuses your mind daily on what God’s plan is for your life and not the things of this world. Below is a list from Tom Corley, best-selling author of Change your Habits, Change your Life. It describes the habits of “successful” people…
- They get up early.
- They read, a lot.
- They spend 15 to 30 minutes each day on focused thinking.
- They make exercise a priority.
- They spend time with people who inspire them.
- They pursue their own goals.
- They get enough sleep.
- They have multiple incomes.
- They avoid time-wasters.
Don’t get me wrong; this is a good list of habits. They have been habits of mine (for the most part) over the years. However, I would challenge it in a way that would change up the definition of “success” and why we are making these habits a part of our daily routine in the first place. This is my spin on the list…
- I get up early… to spend time alone with God.
- I read, a lot… to learn more about God and the plan He has for my life.
- I spend 15 to 30 minutes each day… in prayer.
- I make exercise a priority… because my body is a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
- I spend time with people who inspire me… to be more like Christ.
- I pursue… God’s goals for my life.
- I get enough sleep… to be fully rested and at peace in the work that’s already been done on the cross.
- I have multiple incomes… to use wisely for Kingdom purposes.
- I avoid time-wasters… and focus my time on being a disciple, husband and father.
So my challenge is that when you think about the word successful; is what immediately comes to mind…wealth, material things, family, vacations, retirement funds, etc? Again, these are not bad things. But when we think about success; will we instead, think about the impact we are making in God’s kingdom? My goal is to stand in front of my King one day and hear; “Well done, good and faithful servant.”