I Hate Success

What does success mean to you? What do you want to achieve in life? What do you seek?

I hate the word "success." When you hear it, you probably think of money, promotions, wealth, respect, and power. These concepts are often overused, even in religious settings. Chasing after these forms of "success" can be misleading. Life’s purpose is beyond material gain. True success should mean something deeper and more real.

Reflections on Success

John 20:15

"Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”

I reflected on this verse when I faced a tough time at work. Here is a woman who came early in the morning after her hope died on a cross. Why is she looking for Jesus after He died? Why did she come so early? It’s because she loved Jesus so much. He was the meaning of her life. Notice that the risen Jesus did not ask, "What are you looking for?" but rather, "Who are you looking for?"

When your success is about "what," you haven’t found true success.

Matthew 6:31-33 

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10

“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”

Philippians 3:18-19

“For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.”

True Success

For me, success means seeking God above all else and loving Him more through my actions toward others.