How do you define success? Everybody’s perception of success is not the same. Some look at how much money you have or how big your house may be. What type of car you drive or how many degrees are behind your name. Are you famous? Are you educated? How many followers do you have on social media? I could go on but I’m sure you get the point. This is how the world defines success. I’m so glad that Jesus does not define us by quantity but by quality! Jesus’s standard of success is not what we have but the quality of the fruit we bear.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
We are all the same, like trees, blowing in the wind. Everything we think we own can be blown away instantly like leaves in a strong storm. This may sound cliche, but I have never seen anyone take what they have here on earth with them, we all leave here as we came, with nothing. But if we live for Jesus, then we will leave with eternal life. Our life here is nothing compared to our permanent home with God. God will furnish a new heaven and a new earth for his saints, which are meant to exist permanently.
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
God wants us to live this temporary life abundantly. He will give us our hearts desires if they are aligned with His Word and His will. We can enjoy life here on earth by following the example of Jesus and showing love to others. We must be willing to seek God first and submit to His plan for our lives. We must produce good fruit. The fruit that pleases the heart of God is the fruit that reflects the character and work of Christ. For this to happen, we must deny ourselves in the same way that Jesus denied Himself. Instead of pursuing earthly status and comfort, we seek first the Kingdom of God. When you are producing good fruit, you are successful in God’s eyes. This is how our Father is glorified!
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mathew 6:33)
“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:10)
The worlds standards of success can hinder the producing of fruit. Sometimes, God will intentionally prune away things and people from our lives, so that we can put Him first and no longer pursue material things or the acknowledgement of others. We are incapable of producing spiritual fruit in and of ourselves. We must constantly abide in Christ and draw our strength from Him.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (John 15:16)
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
We are to continually live a fruitful life to bring glory to God. The benefits are much more than materialistic or superficial things of this world can give us, we will receive an abundance of peace and joy! Love and Blessings…
EMMANUEL 
Amen
LikeLike
Amen!
BT
LikeLike