Do you wish to achieve societal success? There are a number of possible approaches to achieving this goal, but one of the most proven and reliable strategies is to focus on leadership. In other words, learn how to convince others to do what you want them to do. They do most of the work and you get most of the praise.
However, what if you choose to achieve godly success instead? How will you succeed? In that case, you need to focus on “following” – learning how to become a better servant. Instead of using someone else to accomplish your goals and objectives, you seek to serve people by helping them achieve their own goals and aspirations.
If you go to any bookstore or library, or do a search on an online retail site, you can find countless books offering different perspectives on leadership. The same is true for seminars, conferences, and retreats: we have a seemingly endless number of options that offer multiple perspectives on what it takes to be an effective leader.
However, there is one Book that demonstrates and teaches the immediate and eternal value of being a follower-servant. It is called the Bible. In it we find many accounts of those who today would be called “influencers.” Their influence consisted of selfless service to others.
We can find no better example than Jesus Christ, who said: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). How did He do this? Christ performed miracles of healing, fed multitudes, and even raised people several times. His earthly life was an example of giving, not receiving.
But Jesus’ greatest feat is that He willingly went to the cross to die and bear the penalty for the sins of mankind. “But God proves his love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). From a human perspective, Jesus’ “ultimate sacrifice” seemed like a failure, but from an eternal perspective it was the most successful moment of all time.
As business and professional people, we want to understand the formula for success. We often think that if we can take into account all the necessary inputs, we will control the outputs. Sometimes this works, but often our success or failure is the result of factors beyond our control.
The problem is that we have limits, limited in time and space. God is infinite and eternal. His ways and purposes far exceed ours. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways, says the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). Therefore, our faith and trust in Him-our submission to His will and plans-are important but mysterious elements that none of our formulas can compute.
What kind of success are you looking for? What we truly desire is indicative of where we spend our time, what controls our attention. Each of us has a decision to make. Today. And tomorrow. And the next day. Should we strive for social success? Jesus said: “For what good is it to a man if he gains the whole world, but harms his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Once we make a decision, we have to live with eternal consequences. A sign of maturity is a willingness to put aside immediate gratification for long-term gain.
Ken Korkow lives in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. He works as a regional director for CBMC. Material is adapted from his column “The Fax of Life”. Used with permission of the author.
Questions for reflection/discussion
- How would you define “success”?
- Based on your life experiences, how do you structure your work and career? What does this say about your view of success?
- Do you believe that a person can actively pursue success based on worldly definitions and Godly success at the same time? Why yes or why no?
- When you think about the fact that God’s thoughts are not the same as our thoughts and our ways are not the same as His, how do you feel? Is it encouraging or troubling? Are there times when you wish God’s thoughts and ways matched yours? Explain your answer.
NOTES. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Psalm 32:11; Matthew 6:24,33-34, 16:25-27; Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 3:17, 23-24.
Difficult task
During the coming week, reflect on what you have read and discussed in this Manna for Monday. What kind of success are you striving for? Are you focusing on the right things? If you are a leader, do you lead people so they can help you achieve your goals, or do you seek to serve them in achieving their goals and objectives? Find a trusted friend to help you sort through these important questions.