On Success

  I am a recovering success addict. It pains me to say this, but I've lived a lot of my childhood and adult life as someone who hasn't needed drugs or alcohol or even a lot of money, as I'm writing this to you right now I can definitely tell you that's not the case. But, I've been someone who's been fueled by success. I've been someone who so earnestly desired to ride waves of success, praise, and compliments that it has hurt me from time to time. But, I'm getting better. I think one of the prescriptions that the good Lord gave me to cure this disease of always needing to be successful was he gave me a loving, caring, wife who is never afraid to speak her mind. I would say about 95% of the time that's a great thing, she does get her self in trouble, only about 5% of the time. But, she has done a very good job of keeping me grounded and focused on what's most important in life.
  I will say this though, I still have a long way to go. The desire to be first, to be praised, to be right, to be highly thought of, is not an easy desire to shake. But, I'm continuing to grow and learn. Now, one thing I must say is that success doesn't fuel everyone, there are certain people in this life who do their best day in and day out and their effort is good enough for them. But, for most of us status, esteem, and praise matter. I am not here telling you that success or praise of people is in and of itself a bad thing. However, it can be a very slippery slope for a lot of people. As is well defined in all theology pride is one of the root sins that all of us struggle with, some people struggle with gambling, others with drug addiction, or temptation for lust, but those struggles often aren't universal. Pride is the universal temptation/sin. St. Augustine one of the pillars of our church said that pride was one's refusal to submit to God. Essentially saying pride is at the heart of sin, pride is making much of yourself.
  The question remains though, can we do anything about it? Can we be successful without being prideful and arrogant about it? Well, I would say of course there is. As a recovering success addict, here are a few things I've learned and I hope you can as well. Balance is very key in life, while as pride and success are often about taking or getting, I would encourage you to spend some time in your life giving. Watch the neighbor's kid for free, so they can go out on a date together as a couple. Spend a few minutes a day praying for your friends and even your enemies. Give a portion of your paycheck to a local charity to benefit those less fortunate, and I think you can see there are lots of ways that you can live a life that is humble and honoring to God. Two final things to consider: first, please, please surround yourself with good people. It is so easy to fall into sin and things that we shouldn't be involved in because we surround with ungodly people. Now, I'm not saying don't have friends that aren't Christians, but be very careful how your friends and family are influencing you. Take time to develop real, deep relationships with Godly, spiritual mature men and women. Finally, know and understand who is the giver of all gifts. I hate to burst your bubble, but you're not the center of the universe. The world has been doing just fine before you came along, and it'll probably do okay after you and I leave it as well. But, spend your time making much of God. One verse I'll share as we close is found in Matthew 6:33, this is an incredible way to live and would highly encourage you to make this verse the mission of your life, "But, seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and all of his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Next week we're talking about social media :)