Philippians 3:8-11
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:8-11 (NIV)
We live in a very competitive world. That is putting things mildly.
And the competition seems to be starting earlier and earlier every time we turn around.
From the time we are very young, we find ourselves in situations where we are faced with competition. Sports, school, clubs and organizations, activities, and eventually scholarships and job opportunities. Everyone is looking to position themselves and their children for opportunities or success, oftentimes years down the road. Everything is competitive, always with more people competing than there are opportunities available. And everyone is looking for anything that will secure the opportunity or give them a competitive edge. In many cases, it comes down to not only how qualified or experienced you are and what you know, but who you know. That competitive edge is often in the form of a relationship with someone that has the power to influence the outcome of events in your favor and put you on the fast track to success. And someone that will have your back if you fall short of expectations.
Relationship-building and taking advantage of related opportunities have been seen as a pathway to success in life for years. I think we all can think of business, political or sports applications of this concept. We spend a large portion of our lives, our time, our thoughts, and our energy focused on getting ahead and succeeding. And the relationships we value are those that help us get to that level of success and stay there. Again, it is who we know.
I hope by now you are thinking the same things I am. Is my success in life really that important? Are these the relationships that really matter? Is this what God expects of me? Should I be focusing my time and efforts in other areas?
The answers to these questions are pretty straightforward. God expects us to use the talents and abilities He blessed us with for His purposes and His glory. Our success may put us in a better position to help others and inspire their careers and paths forward. God, acting through the Holy Spirit, creates opportunities for us to serve Him, and, unfortunately, those opportunities are often mistaken for personal achievement and success. Our success and roles in life are designed to fulfill God’s purpose and plan. And those relationships that we think we are using to get a leg up….well, they are part of God’s plan too.
If we think of life and our role in it as being part of God’s plan, then there is really only one relationship we need to have. Our relationship with God. He has the plan. He shows us the pathway to success. And, by the way, God also has our backs if we fall short. If we follow the path, if we believe, and if we love and serve God and our brothers and sisters, we will have eternal life with God. Now that is truly a successful outcome.
Success in life is definitely about who you know.
Thanks be to God!
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you describe a successful life? Has your life been a success?
- Which relationships have you utilized to achieve success in life?
- Do you see your relationship with God helping you achieve success in life?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Please help us to look to you for the guidance, inspiration, love and hope that we seek. Help us as well to truly appreciate your gifts of love, grace and your Son Jesus. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
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