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Aug 01, 2017 2286 Alan Scott
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The True Measure of Success

I had just returned from a vacation spent in the company of an old friend. Because it rained during much of our trip, we ended up talking quite a bit over the course of a week. We talked about our lives, our families and our love for God.

It turns out that we have a lot in common. One of the things we discussed was the direction each of our lives had taken with regards to our schooling (college and beyond), our careers and our interests and activities. This made me think objectively and in regard to myself; I have lived a pretty average life.

A lot of the people I have known throughout my life have strived to be successful, but I have spent my life honestly trying to avoid worldly success. It is just not something I personally believe is important. Now, that may seem odd. I mean, what kind of loser does not want to be successful? Me. I am that loser. Actually, truth be told, v—but just not the world’s version of it.

The Definition of Success

I think the problem I have with “success” is how it is normally defined. Is success becoming famous, wealthy, creating a big money-making business or coming up with an idea that people cannot live without? Perhaps. But again, it depends on how you define success.

If all you are striving for is money, a successful business or fame, will you keep your dignity to achieve it? Will you help to improve the lives of others? Will you please God? After all that success, what happens when you die?

For me, I have been approached to place advertisements on my website. I have had offers to publish my writing on simplicity if I remove the mention of God. I have even been approached with a book deal, if I agree not to discuss certain topics that I prefer to discuss (my faith).

But what is the cost for “success”? For this so-called success I would have to compromise my principles, writing about topics half-heartedly because I might possibly offend someone. Or worse, trick them into buying a book that excludes my faith and mention of God, when I know that God is the answer to all things.

It is not worth it. One thing, though, is for sure. Whatever your definition of success is, it is something you are looking for … something that exists in the future. It is based on your desire to achieve something due to the nagging feeling that you are not where you want to be.

Real Success

Worldly people seek to define their success through the esteem and praise received from another. Success is often based on status and admiration. At best it is vain. It is also extremely subjective.

Human glory, worldly honor and earthly possessions—these are all empty and meaningless when compared to the love, honor and glory of God. True greatness and success is not in a person who is satisfied with himself, but it is only found in those with whom God is satisfied.

God will never estimate our merits or success by our knowledge, education, wealth, status or our position among others. He certainly will not be impressed if we are driving a new BMW. God will measure our success by our self-sacrifice, humility and charity toward others. God knows if we are thinking and relying too much on ourselves, or rather seeking His will. God knows if we give honor and glory to ourselves, rather than honoring and glorifying Him.

Do not get me wrong, I am not saying that having a good education, a good work position, owning your own company or even being a celebrity is a bad thing. But it is a bad thing when our motivation (or our end result) is the want or desire for admiration from others. God alone is to be worshipped; not us. If you love God in all things, you will praise His name, not yours. You will esteem and honor God’s will, not your own estimation of personal success and accomplishments.

In the end, success can only be measured in one way. Success is defined in finding joy, love, honor and glory in God. If you find your success and accomplishment in God and in God alone, you have found the greatest level of success ever possible.

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Alan Scott

Alan Scott is a writer and blogger. His work has been published on the Catholic Exchange, One Peter Five, The Stream and Catholic Today. His blog “Grow in Virtue” is about the journey towards a life filled with more virtue, faith, simplicity, generosity and far less complexity. He is listed on Top Catholic Blogs and is writing his first book, which he hopes to publish this year.

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