Success or Fruitfulness

Why play a game not intending to win? Why engage in business not planning to be successful? I have worked hard trying to succeed. But is that God’s goal for me?

God never called me to success. Rather He has called me to faithfulness that, in turn, yields fruit. Jesus encouraged his disciples to be fruitful. He never mentioned success.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:2 NIV) 

Success in the world’s terms often seems to be fueled by power, by strength and by control, while fruitfulness is conceived by faith in the midst of vulnerability, weakness and submission. In fact, death to my ambitions is essential for spiritual fruit.

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12 24-25 NIV) 

Success in this life is not a bad outcome in and of itself. However, God calls me to more - a faith bearing fruit that brings glory to Him. Will you join me this week?
 

Sharing the journey with you,