To many people, wealth is the barometer for successful life. There are however two types of successful lives, worldly standard of materialism and heavenly standard of your heart with Christ Jesus.
Worldly standards
It is worldly recognition which is in diverse forms. It includes boasting, Psalms 49:6; powers from idols, Psalms 97:7; and accumulating wealth, Proverbs 25:14. Paul also lists some of the worldly standards in Romans 1:30. They include power or recognition from wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, gossip, slander, hatred for God, insolence, haughtiness, boasting, inventing evil, disobedience, foolishness, faithlessness, heartless or being ruthless.
Worldly success is also measured by perverting the law, Romans 2:23 or demonstrating arrogance, James 4:16. Worldly invincibility or security is also a symbol of success. In biblical times they included horses and chariots by which some boasted, Psalms 20:7. To the ungodly minded, these are the ultimate in life but the wise unequivocally renounced them as unworthy in spite of all their attractions.
Being rich is a standard of measurement. However Proverbs 3:31 says do not envy the rich. In Ecclesiastes 1:2 it is classified as vanity upon vanity. In other words the attraction of money is the root of all evil, 1 Timothy 6:10. Material success lacks permanent foundation. It is akin to the man who built his house on the sand but got it washed away by floods, Matthew 7:26-27. Material success produces only anxious moments and without rest, Psalms 127:3.
Heavenly standards
This comes from Christ Jesus. Matthew 6:33 says seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all others shall be added unto you. We acquire it by setting the right priority, first securing God’s kingdom with a righteous life. We are successful when our souls are saved. Matthew 16:26 says what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Successful life is not materialism.
We are told in Joshua 1:8 that reading and meditating on the word of God day and night is the road map to successful life. It is God’s delight that we do so, Psalms 1:2. Successful life from God is permanent. It is similar to the house built on rocks which withstood the storms and floods, Matthew 7:24-25. It is also permanent because it is secured in Christ Jesus. Our ability to protect our wealth will also account for our success. The bible recommends that we lay your treasure in heaven where it cannot be destroyed or stolen, Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:34.
To secure your wealth, simply obey Christ Jesus. He said, go sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come and follow me, Mark 10:21. This demands not only obedience but love, faith and determination to have eternal life. The bible terms those who fail this test or instruction as fools, Luke 12:20-21. It is the blessings of the Lord that makes us rich, and without sorrow, Proverbs 10:22. God is therefore the foundation of riches. What is the source of your success?
Where do you stand?
Spiritual success must be of substance and valuable to Christ Jesus. Giving all to Jesus is the key to successful life. Are you ready to be counted as rich spiritually?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I rejoice in you in that, although I may be poor for your sake in this life, I am counted rich in you. Glory and honour be to your holy name for your word of life, Amen!!
