How do you Measure Success?

I imagine the Kansas City Chiefs would say that it’s measured by the number of touchdowns they scored to win the Super Bowl.

Miley Cyrus might measure it by the number of times her pop hit, “Flowers,” has been downloaded.

Presidential nominees probably measure it by the number of votes they earn.

How do you measure success?

When I was a child, I measured success by the number of A’s I got on my report card.

When I was a teen, I measured success by how many friends I had.

When I was in college, I measured success by the number on a scale.

When I was a young adult, I measured success by the way my children behaved.

These days, I measure it by the number of books I’ve sold or the amount of income I generate or how many speaking events I get.

How do you measure success?

I can measure my success in terms of my intellect, my popularity, or my weight. I can measure it on the basis of family relationships or career accomplishments, but doing so only sets me up for failure.

I do not have the brain capacity of Einstein.

I am not and have never been popular.

My weight is like a roller coaster that favors uphill climbs.

My children are independent adults, whose lives are not necessarily reliant upon or reflective of my own.

I may never have an illustrious career.

How do you measure success?

Pastor Tim Harris once said, “Greatness is always measured by the effect of your influence on the lives of others. The success, rewards, and purpose of your life always come down to what you manage to do in Jesus’s name in the lives of others.”

For whatever reason, it seems so hard to think of our lives in this way. We are conditioned to think more about ourselves, but imagine how much better the world would be if we all measured success by this standard.

Who did I encourage today?

Was I able to help someone draw closer to Jesus?

How many lives am I impacting for Christ’s sake?

Proverbs 3:1-4 says, “My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.”

That’s how I want to measure success.