True success - how Jesus’ life reframes the real meaning of success

Description: Discover what success means for Christians today - the kind of success that endures, not just in this life, but in eternity.

Introduction

In today's world, so much emphasis is placed on fulfilling our personal potential, often equating it with true success. We are constantly bombarded with messages pushing us to strive harder, achieve more, and excel in every facet of life. Whether it’s career progression, personal achievements, or social standing, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. It's as if there’s an unspoken rule: if we fail to meet these expectations, we fail as individuals.

Modern life’s relentless pace adds to the strain. Instant communication, immediate results, and the demand to look perfect at all times build the narrative that success is measured by speed and productivity. In the face of these pressures, it’s easy to forget the deeper, more meaningful pursuits in life. But, when we turn to the life of Jesus, we see a stark contrast to this mindset. Instead of chasing worldly success or fulfilling his own personal potential, Jesus focused solely on achieving his God-given purpose.

Jesus' Life: Was It a Success?

To some, Jesus’ life might seem to be the opposite of success. He had the ability, wisdom, and divine power to rule the world, yet he ended up crucified. How could someone with such potential fail to seize earthly power, wealth, and status? After all, if true success is measured by human standards, Jesus could have ruled nations and created an earthly kingdom.

But Jesus' life wasn’t about fulfilling human expectations of success. It was about fulfilling God's purpose for him. Despite his divine abilities, Jesus wasn’t interested in achieving success in a worldly sense. Instead, he chose to live in humble service, fulfilling the mission entrusted to him by God.

Potential Versus Purpose

In dedicating himself entirely to the will of his Father, and deliberately choosing not to pursue self-interest or personal gain, Jesus demonstrates the crucial difference between personal potential and divine purpose. While potential may lead to personal success, purpose leads to fulfilment of God’s will, and ultimately, true success.

Example 1: temptation in the wilderness (purpose over potential)

A powerful example of Jesus prioritising purpose over potential is found in his confrontation with the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13). After fasting for forty days, Jesus was hungry, and the devil tempted him to turn stones into bread to prove his divine power. It would have been easy for Jesus to satisfy his physical needs and display his power. Yet he resisted, choosing instead to align with God's purpose. He quoted from Deuteronomy, pointing out that life is sustained, not just by bread, but by every word that comes from God. At this moment, he attested that his mission wasn’t about proving his potential, but about obeying God's will.

Example 2: refusing earthly kingship (eternal over earthly values)

Another example comes from when Jesus fed the five thousand (John 6:1-15). After this miracle, the crowd were so amazed that they wanted to make him their king by force. Jesus had every opportunity to accept earthly kingship – a path that would undoubtedly have led to immense power and personal success. Yet once again, he declined, retreating to a mountain by himself. Why? Because his purpose was not to establish an earthly kingdom, but to proclaim the kingdom of God. By walking away from the chance to seize worldly power, Jesus stayed true to his mission of spiritual transformation, not political dominance.

Example 3: agony in Gethsemane (eternal success)

In the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-44), we see another poignant example of Jesus’ submission to his divine purpose. As he faced the brutal reality of his upcoming crucifixion, he prayed for deliverance from the suffering he was about to endure. Yet, even in his anguish, Jesus chose obedience, submitting to the Father's will. Although he had the power to avoid the cross and spare himself unimaginable pain, he remained faithful to his purpose, sacrificing himself for the salvation of humanity. This act of surrender not only revealed his immense love for humanity, but also underscored his unwavering commitment to his divine mission.

Slowing down for purpose

A noteworthy aspect of Jesus' life was his pace. He never rushed through his ministry, even though he had only a few short years to complete his mission. He took time to connect with people, heal the sick, and teach his followers. The fastest mode of transport he ever used was a donkey, an animal better known as a beast of burdens than a sprinter. Jesus’ ministry spread at a walking pace, with meaningful stops along the way – in villages, boats, and remote places.

Perhaps there's a message here for us too. Jesus' life, slow and deliberate, laid the foundation for a movement that would spread to over two billion people worldwide. It was not speed or frantic activity that defined his success, but obedience to God’s purpose. For us, this is a call to slow down, to reflect, and to ask ourselves if we are pursuing true success by fulfilling God’s purpose, or simply rushing to meet the world's standards of achievement.

True success for us today

What should true success look like for us in the modern world? The first step is simple: pausing long enough to ask God what he wants for our lives. It’s about seeking guidance and trusting that God will equip us to carry out his purpose. Just as Jesus relied on his Father, we can rely on God to support us in completing our missions, whatever they may be.

Jesus’ life teaches us that success isn’t about reaching our personal potential or achieving greatness by worldly standards. Instead, it’s about using our God-given talents to fulfil his purpose. That’s the kind of success that endures – not just in this life, but in eternity.