Walking in God’s Purpose
Dependent on God
Faithfulness, Trust, and Service
Success that Glorifies God
Introduction
In a world driven by the pursuit of wealth, recognition, and personal achievement, success is often equated with fame, fortune, and power. However, the Bible offers a vastly different perspective on what it means to succeed. Success, according to Scripture, is not about self-promotion but about living faithfully in God’s purposes, trusting His guidance, and glorifying Him in all we do. Today’s readings—from Psalm 8, Genesis 24, and Matthew 9—lead us to reflect on how wisdom, faithfulness, and compassionate service define true success.
Wisdom Begins with Reverence for God
Psalm 8:1–9 is a beautiful hymn that exalts God’s majesty and reminds us of humanity’s privileged position in creation. David marvels at the fact that, despite the vastness of the universe, God cares deeply for human beings and has given them dominion over His creation:
“You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor” (v. 5).
This psalm invites us to see ourselves as stewards of God’s creation, entrusted with responsibility and purpose. Wisdom begins with acknowledging God’s greatness and understanding our identity in relation to Him (Proverbs 9:10). True success is not about personal glory but about fulfilling God’s design for our lives with humility and reverence.
Dependence on God: A Pathway to Success
Genesis 24 tells the story of Abraham’s servant being sent on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. This was a critical task in God’s covenant plan. The servant’s prayer in verse 12 highlights his dependence on God:
“‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today.’”
Success, in this context, is not about personal ambition but about fulfilling God’s will. The servant’s reliance on God is evident throughout the passage, as he prays, watches, and waits for God’s confirmation (vv. 21, 40, 42, 56). His success ultimately brings glory to God, as he acknowledges:
“Praise be to the Lord… who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness” (v. 27).
This story illustrates that true success is rooted in dependence on God, seeking His guidance in every step, and giving Him the glory when success comes.
Success Through Faithfulness, Not Ambition
In Matthew 9:14–38, Jesus redefines success in terms of compassion, service, and obedience to God’s mission. He heals the sick, drives out demons, and proclaims the good news of the kingdom. His ministry is marked by His deep compassion for the lost:
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 36).
Jesus’ example teaches us that success is not about self-centered ambition but about serving others in love. He calls His followers to labor in God’s harvest, recognizing that the true measure of success lies in faithfulness to God’s mission:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (vv. 37–38).
This passage challenges us to view success as faithfulness in our calling to serve God and others with compassion and love.
Redefining Success in Light of God’s Word
Today’s readings help us redefine success in a biblical sense:
1. Dependence on God: Success comes from seeking God’s guidance and trusting Him in all things (Genesis 24:12).
2. Faithfulness in Service: Jesus models success through humble service and compassion for others (Matthew 9:35–36).
3. Glorifying God: True success brings glory to God rather than to ourselves (Genesis 24:27).
4. Participating in God’s Mission: Success is found in laboring for God’s kingdom and advancing His purposes (Matthew 9:37–38).
Confidence in God’s Promises: A Model of Success
The verse of the day, Genesis 24:7, highlights Abraham’s confidence in God’s promises:
“The Lord, the God of heaven… will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there.”
Abraham’s trust in God’s faithfulness reminds us that true success flows from living in obedience to God’s promises. Success, for Abraham, was not about material wealth—though he had plenty—but about walking faithfully with God and trusting Him to fulfill His covenant promises.
Living a Life of True Success: Faithfulness Over Fame
‘Success’ is not a dirty word, but it must be redefined in light of God’s Word. Biblical success is about living in obedience, depending on God, serving others with compassion, and glorifying Him in everything. True success is measured by faithfulness, not fame; by serving, not self-seeking; and by fulfilling God’s purposes rather than chasing worldly ambitions.
As you reflect on today’s passages, seek God’s guidance in redefining your understanding of success. Ask Him to help you walk faithfully in the roles He has given you. Remember, as Jesus said:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37).
True success lies in answering His call and laboring faithfully for His kingdom.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing me that true success comes from walking faithfully in Your will. Help me to depend on You in all I do, to serve others with compassion, and to seek Your glory rather than my own. Lead me in Your wisdom, and may my life be a testimony of Your faithfulness and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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