Defining Success

For most people, it is very easy to define success for themselves. Success is when they have met their expectations or possibly exceeded those expectations. Even people who set lofty goals and don't meet them who still be looked at as successful by others. We determine how successful a business is by its profit margin and public perception. We determine success in the family by looking at those who have become upstanding citizens and contribute in a positive way to society. Recently, we also determine success in the Church by how big the buildings are and how many attend on Sundays. And yet, if we are honest success in the kingdom is not necessarily measured this way.
Don't think that I am a "big church" basher. Not at all! I have a great appreciation for what they are doing and marvel at how God blesses them. I have long learned that I don't think I am geared like these church leaders. God's measure of success is much, much different. Based on Jesus' time on earth, he would have been a flop compared to today's standards. He had a congregation of only 12 close followers. Out of those, several of them argued who was the best. One of them stole money out of the treasury and handed Jesus over to crucifixion. Every single one of them, save one, abandoned him in his time of need. And yet, so many have been transformed by the words of Jesus and what he did. I look at Jesus and I see what made him successful and these are what I saw...
1. Jesus built close relationships with his disciples who in turn gained disciples and it spread. Thus, relationship is a form of success.
2. The power of God was present in Jesus and he performed many signs and wonders. Thus, success is when the power of God saves the lost, heals the sick, and sanctifies the sinner.
3. Jesus did not bow to the pressures in the religious world. Ouch, this is a tough one. Many friends who are in various churches I view as not "getting it", but am I willing to go against the grain to do what is right, not what is popular?
4. Jesus had such a great relationship with the Father. Do our churches have just as good a relationship?

Be careful how you judge success, you may find it and then learn that you were successful in the wrong set of eyes.