Rethinking Spiritual Success
What does it mean to be spiritually successful? Is it about feeding the hungry, standing up for the marginalized, or sacrificing our own desires for the benefit of others? As I reflect on my own spiritual journey, I realize that I once struggled to feel a sense of accomplishment in my faith.
A False Sense of Accomplishment
I had done all the “right” things – sponsored children overseas, packed shoe boxes for kids at Christmas, and spent quality time with my ailing grandparents. Yet, when I compared myself to others, both believers and non-believers alike, I felt like I was falling short. They seemed to be doing more, serving more, and sacrificing more than I was. It was discouraging, to say the least.
A Turning Point
But then, a wise friend shared a profound truth with me: “Apart from me, you can do nothing of spiritual significance, nothing of eternal value.” It was as if the rug had been pulled out from under my feet. All my carefully constructed spiritual accomplishments came crashing down. I realized that I had been more focused on the tangible results of my efforts rather than the eternal significance of the work I was doing.
Shifting Focus
I needed to shift my focus from doing the work to remaining in Him. Jesus showed us the way by prioritizing prayer in His relationship with the Father. As Mother Teresa’s Sisters in Calcutta so simply put it, “prayer is our first work.” I needed to learn to prioritize communion with God, to pray unceasingly as I worked through His strength.
A Heart Check
Lord, help me to desire to commune with You. Teach me to pray unceasingly as I work through Your strength, and remind me to place value in the eternal significance of the work You have called me to do. Amen.
Food for Thought
Take a moment to read Philippians 3:1-14. The apostle Paul, who had every reason to boast about his spiritual accomplishments, considered them nothing compared to knowing Christ. Reflect on your own service. Ask God to help you remain in Him to accomplish what He has called you to do. And ask Him to search your heart, revealing any wrong motives that may be driving your service.
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