The True Measure of Success: Why You Shouldn't Define Yourself by External Events

As humans, we tend to measure our success by external events. We often tie our self-worth to achievements, accolades, and milestones. 

But is this really the best way to gauge our success? 

In this post, we'll explore why defining yourself by external events can be limiting and how to find a more meaningful measure of success.

The Problem with External Validation

When we tie our self-worth to external events, we become vulnerable to the whims of fate. A single setback or failure can send our confidence plummeting, while a solitary achievement can inflate our ego. This rollercoaster of emotions can leave us feeling unstable and uncertain.

Moreover, external validation can be fleeting and unreliable. 

What happens when the applause dies down, and the accolades stop rolling in? 

Do we suddenly become less successful or less worthy? 

Of course not. But our self-perception may tell us otherwise.

As the Bible says, "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

The Divine Mandate: A More Meaningful Measure of Success

So, how can we break free from the cycle of external validation and find a more meaningful measure of success? The answer lies in understanding our divine mandate.

Your divine mandate is the unique purpose and plan God has for your life. It's the reason you were created, and it's the key to unlocking your true potential. When you understand your divine mandate, you'll begin to see that your success is not measured by external events, but by your obedience to God's voice and faithfulness to His plans.

As Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The Success Quotient: Obedience, Faithfulness, and Trust

So, what does it mean to be obedient, faithful, and trusting? 

Here are a few key takeaways:

- Obedience means listening to God's voice and following His instructions, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. As Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)

- Faithfulness means being consistent and reliable in your pursuit of God's plans, even when the outcome is uncertain. As Proverbs 28:20 says, "A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished."

- Trust means having confidence in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when things don't make sense. As Psalm 37:3-5 says, "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Success is Not Measured by Abundance

In Luke 12:15, Jesus says, "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 

In the same vein, our success is not measured by the abundance of:

- Wealth

- Accolades

- Achievements

- Influence

- Power

True success is rooted in our relationship with God, our obedience to His voice, and our faithfulness to His plans. When we focus on cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with God, we'll find that our definition of success begins to shift, and we'll discover a more meaningful and lasting measure of fulfilment.

In conclusion, don't define your worth by a single moment's triumph or defeat. Your success is not measured by external events but by your obedience to God's voice and faithfulness to His plans. 

Remember, your true worth is found in your divine mandate, and your success quotient is rooted in your relationship with God.

As Jeremiah 9:23-24 says, "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the Lord.

May we boast in our knowledge of God, and may our success be measured by our obedience to His voice and faithfulness to His plans.

Reflect on these...

- What external events have you tied your self-worth to?

- How has this affected your self-perception and confidence?

- What is your divine mandate, and how can you begin to pursue it?

- In what ways can you cultivate obedience, faithfulness, and trust in your relationship with God?

Action Steps...

- Take time to reflect on your divine mandate and how you can pursue it.

- Identify areas where you need to cultivate obedience, faithfulness,