Success in the Kingdom cannot be measured by comparing the accomplishments of one individual to another. It is not about competition. Success comes with obedience to the Lord. It relies on being crucified with Christ (see Galatians 2:20), which means that one’s success begins with denying the self (see Matthew 16:24-25).
In the Lord’s Kingdom, success is diametrically opposed to the worldly view. Part of being successful is helping another person succeed for his benefit alone, whereas the worldly approach uses the other’s success as a means to further oneself. It goes along with the common saying, “In order for me to be successful, I must help someone else be successful.” Ultimately it is more for the “helper’s” benefit than that of the recipient. Envy and jealousy have no place in the Kingdom, which means there is no such thing as sibling rivalry amongst brothers and sisters. Instead, each individual rejoices for the other when he does well. Ultimately, it is about glorifying the Lord; for He is the One Who gave us everything we need to be successful.
It would be good for us to remember that God gave us our talents. Each of us has a specific purpose and a specific place in the Kingdom. Instead of being prideful about our abilities we have, we should be humbled. Unless the Lord ordained it, we could not take a single breath of air, let alone get out of bed in the morning. Just because a person may be able to perform a particular task “better” than another, has more possessions, or even holds a more “prestigious” position than another; it does not make him better. We are loved equally, yet designed differently in order to have a unique relationship with the Father. In all, we are supposed to be one Body, with each member equally important.
In the world’s setting, the temptation is to compare our selves with others, even though the True Measure of success is our Lord Jesus Christ. The Scripture clearly says, “Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more” (2 Corinthians 5:16, KJV). It further states that we are to know it is not wise to compare ourselves to one another (see 2Corinthians10:12). Ironically, we cannot be success driven to succeed in the Kingdom, we must be Spirit led. In order to truly to well, one must walk in love, for if we love the Lord we will obey Him.
