Changing Your Definition of Success

As a Christian Business Coach, one thing that I work on with all of my clients is their definition of success. We live in a society where a successful person is defined as one who makes money and influences others. God’s economy, and His business practices, are upside-down when compared with the world’s. We’re told in Scripture that it’s better to give then to receive and in order to best the greatest, we must be servants just as Christ was.

God’s definition of success then, must be much different than what the business books say. We never see the Almighty God of the Bible congratulating one of His followers on their financial success. The concept itself even sounds silly. And yet, isn’t that the standard that we hold ourselves up to? God must not be pleased with me, because I’m not successful financially. I must be doing something wrong.

But God’s definition of success isn’t monetary, it’s personal. As Mark Batterson says in his book, The Circle Maker, “God’s primary concern is who we’re becoming in the process.” He isn’t concerned with how many widgets we sold this week or the balance of our bank account. He isn’t honestly all that concerned with what we’ve done this week – business or otherwise. He is more concerned with WHO WE ARE BECOMING.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1

We can do things left and right. We can accumulate wealth and possessions. But, in the end – in eternity – none of it will matter. No one will care.

What will matter then, and what matters MOST now, is who we have become during our journey on Earth.

So, what is your definition of success? In his book (mentioned above), Batterson challenges readers to jot down what success will look like in their life when done God’s way. He shares his three definitions in the book, but I’ll share mine with you here:

1. Point others to Christ in all I do. No matter if I’m talking with a friend or teaching a workshop about working from home, I want Jesus to be the central theme.
2. Teach others to live life different. I want to push myself and others to shape our lives in a way that stands out from the rest of the world and shines the light on us as Christ-followers.
3. Be Real. At home, at church and in the places where it counts. I want the people who truly know me to respect me the most.