How Do You Define Success?

On Sundays I write on Spirituality, Faith and Ethics.  I do it because I believe we’re all spiritual beings and have some sort of a moral compass in our lives.  You can learn more by clicking here.

A few days ago, my friend Mark Wilson asked the question, “How Do You Define Success?” on his blog.

After asking the question, he went on to share some of the popular definitions of success that we hear in the world today.  Here’s what he wrote:

Many people define success as MORE:

More money
More toys
More vacations
More luxuries
More things

Others define success as BETTER:

Driving a better car
Living in a better house
Having better vacations
Being promoted to a better position

Still, others define success as ATTRACTION:

Being beautiful
Being intelligent
Being popular
Being acclaimed

Some define success as POWER:

Influence
Authority
Strength
Conquest

But how does the Bible define success?

Read the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They are considered wisdom literature, written by Solomon, noted as the wisest man who ever lived. How is success defined in the world’s greatest wisdom guides?

1. Trusting God.
2. Being Faithful
3. Seeking Wisdom and Understanding
4. Enjoying your Work
5. Enjoying your Relationships
6. Staying Sweet
7. Doing Good
8. Blessing (Refreshing) Others

In other words, true success goes far deeper than the outward appearance. It is a matter of the heart.

“Commit to the Lord all that you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. . .” Ecclesiastes 9:10
“A generous man will prosper. He who refreshes others, will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

What do you think?  Do any of these match up with your definition of success?