“I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? John 5:41-44(N.I.V)

Society exerts a lot of pressure for people to conform to certain roles, images and lifestyles, and deems successful those that excel at these expectations. People want what others they admire have; a perfect family, a perfect figure, a white collar job, a beautiful home, many high ranking friends, and so on. They therefore put a lot of effort in gaining power, wealth, popularity and prestige. Those who do not accomplish these feats are looked down upon as failures.

Based on these considerations, people did not describe Jesus’ life on earth as successful. They were expecting a King who would come to them with all the trimmings of power. They asked, “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son……?” (Matthew 13:55). However, he was very successful because he completed the work of salvation for mankind. He established his kingdom. Worldly pursuits never give satisfaction and only feed the desire for more.

The true mark of success in a Christian is maturity of the soul which results in joy and contentment in the gifts God has given, ability to withstand all situations with the wisdom and forbearance that comes from God, in loving and serving God and other people unreservedly, and the assurance of eternal life. It defines success that meets God's approval. "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." ~Romans 5: 3-5

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“Our desire for approval can only truly be met by receiving God’s acceptance and approval of us.” Joyce Meyer

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