WHAT IS SUCCESS. Gwenda Steward

How do we calculate success. Is it from playing the stock-market, winning the Ashes

( cricket ), the Wimbledon final ( tennis ) or the world Cup ( Soccer ) or Rugby World championship, decided yesterday in Cardiff, Wales .

The Oxford Dictionary defines success as the accomplishment of an end aimed at.

So, my successful cake is eaten. My new knitted cardigan looks fine. The bushes bear tomatoes, after watering and composting.

However, success may be temporary. My cake disappears into hungry stomachs. The cardigan eventually wears out, or goes out of fashion. The tomatoes sometimes wilt.

Success often engenders fear.

The Marathon runner, and Olympic Games medallist, Robert de Castella, once said,

‘I am not so much looking to win, but scared I am going to lose.’

From the Scriptures, a promise of success relates to Joshua, who succeeded Moses as leader of Israel. Was he nervous, apprehensive, fearful or unworthy for such a position or privilege? He needed comfort, assurance and challenge.

‘I will be with you,’ said the Lord God.

‘I will neither leave you or abandon you.’

‘Don’t be afraid, I am with you.’

‘Do not let My law depart from My mouth, turn it around in your thoughts

( meditate) day and night. Be careful to obey all that is written, then you will prosper and have good success.’ ( Joshua 1: 8 )

The Hebrew meaning provides explanation, " I will cause you to be expert, to instruct, to deal prudently, to act wisely and guide wittingly.’

Joshua needed God’s promise and instruction to guide the vacillating Israelites. Because he heeded the counsel of God, Joshua faced the nation with confidence and wisdom in their many battles with the Canaanites. Once Joshua confidently challenged the assembled people as God initially counselled him.

‘Follow the Book, and cleave to the Lord.’

Love the Lord your God. Remember that every promise has been fulfilled. Despite the battles and some failures, Canaan, their promised land, was the success and reward which God promised for the obedience to His wise instruction s. The people answered Joshua with confidence, ‘ We will serve the Lord.’ ( Joshua 23 )

Success is not winning or losing. Being rich rather than poor. It comes from following instructions to reach an eternal goal.

Paul echoes Joshua’s pleading with Israel, when, from prison, he wrote to believers in Philippi. 'Forget what is past ( your failures, mistakes, your fears and unbelief ) and strain and press on to the goal to win God's prize, which is heaven through Jesus Christ.

( Philippians 3:14 )

True success emanates from God’s grace, which He accompanies with valuable and wise instructions from the Book. Gwenda Steward hgsteward@cobweb.com.au