Success

We all want our church to be successful. But that begs the question: what is success? Does being a successful church mean more people and a bigger budget? Does it mean more activities? More ministries? Success is not based on circumstances. From all appearances the church of Laodicia (Rev.3:14-20) seemed to be a very prosperous church. They had lots of chariots in the parking lot and lots of programs, but according to Jesus they were spiritually destitute. In essence, God says, “I don’t want all that. I want your love and your worship.”

    So from God’s perspective, success starts from within, not from without. It’s not about changing other people. It’s not about God changing my world, my community, my church or my family. It’s about God changing ME! And then the other changes will take place. Success isn’t about being a member of a large church with lots and lots of activities. Success isn’t being the greatest pastor, preacher, Sunday school teacher or soul winner. True success is God’s approval. True success is experiencing the miracle of the gospel so that I may become the person I was created to be. The key to your personal success is your relationship with Jesus Christ and your daily walk with Him.

   Thus, the key to your future is hidden in your daily routine. If you fail in the end, it’s because you failed daily to walk with Jesus. Men don’t decide their future; they decide their habits. And their daily habits decide their future. Something you are doing daily is creating your successes or failures. Successful men do daily what unsuccessful men do occasionally.

   Yes, we all want our church to be successful from God’s perspective. We want to see positive and eternal change in our families, church, community and world. But it starts with God changing me. We all need to pray, “Thy Kingdom come in my life!” It starts with me. How has your walk with Christ changed over the last year? When was the last time you had a quiet time with God on a consistent basis? What specifically are you going to work on in the coming weeks to become closer to God?

                                                                                    In Christ,

                                                                                    Bro. Royce Hendry