Success Is Not What We Think

The story goes, Mom chose to name me "JudiLyn" because she thought -- and I quote -- "it would look good in lights one day." I always assumed she meant a Broadway marquis, but perhaps she imagined I'd own a used auto lot or something. I think Mom had visions of grandeur when it came to her children -- and, what mom doesn't? But Mom's idea of "grandeur" always seemed to be a little different than mine. I always wanted to teach and to help others. I had a love for all things science, and I loved!!! to write. But more than anything else, I wanted to be a wife and mother. I dreamed of a happy little home, with lots of dishes and dusting to be done, a handsome husband to cook for, and a whole flock of children playing in our yard. To me, that was a dream come true. (Feminists all over are checking themselves into psychiatric facilities after losing their minds over that idea!)

How different is our idea of success, compared to our Heavenly Father's? Isaiah 55:8-9, tells us:

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord.
'For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

Modern western society promotes two working parents, or one parent who works so hard they tend to be out of touch with most of what is going on in the home. In our society, we have expensive resort vacations for the entire family, and even lavish destination reunions. The pressure is on to buy our children the best and the latest, to enroll them in the finest schools and ensure they try out for as many extracurriculars as humanly possible. We have vacuums and vehicles that drive themselves, and we still don't have enough time in the day to relax. And what of twenty-first century American relaxation? Spa weekends and golf weekends, countless hours of binge watching, she sheds and man caves, cars and bikes designated strictly for recreation -- even our relaxation is expected to be over the top. Success is measured by just how extra we can be. But God...

Philippians 2:1-11, paints a completely different picture of what it takes to be important, exalted and above all others:

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

"No reputation...the form of a bondservant...humbled Himself and became obedient." Do we tell our children that "no reputation" and "humility" are the things to shoot for? But Jesus was exalted. His incredible appearance as a man -- what a downgrade that was! -- earned Him a place in which His name alone was above all others. "Let this mind be in you." All He was owed, all He forsook -- His lowliness and obedience exalted Him, and we should follow His example. Very different from what our culture claims is the real path to success.

Paul prayed three times for something he considered a "thorn in the flesh." God refused to remove it: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." The weaker we are, the more God's strength is able to fill us. The more we relinquish, the more God has to grab hold of. It was within the constraints of Paul's surrender and deep need for his Savior that God found a place to prosper Paul in his work. Real success, the success that is defined by God can only be experienced by doing things His way.

It might be written in lights, or across the sky, or on our nation's currency, but above all else, make sure your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and live a life surrendered to Him. "And He will lift you up."

Honoring Our Father

The music of Third Day filled the sanctuary. A small blonde-haired boy, gripped a tambourine -- one almost as big as he was -- in a chunky hand, struggling to beat it with his other plump little fist. My heart was full: this young child, eyes wide and ears captivated by praise and worship music, wanting earnestly to imitate those around him. Each week he named the people he would see as we took the short ride to church; each week he stood next to me, scanning the room and listening. These people had become his family: the impressive man who stood at the back, greeting guests and keeping watch over "the flock;" the sassy pinochle player whose smile could light up any room she entered; the teens and the seniors alike; the "Bible study ladies;" and the curmudgeon with the heart of gold, who beamed each time the little boy smiled his way. But the pastor? The pastor had made a special impact on this little one, and this Sunday, Father's Day, the toddler was eager to show it. Somewhere between verses, he left my side and went to be with his friend and guide. The pastor, on seeing this little lamb striding toward him, broke into a smile, immediately sat down so as to be more to the youngster's level, and scooped him up into his lap. The toddler flashed me a look as if to say, "Look here. Look who I know. This shepherd, in the midst of his work, stops for me; he adores me so."

What a poignant image of who our Heavenly Father is! And what an encouraging image of all that should be our response to His love! "Look here. Look who I know. This Shepherd, in the midst of His work, stops for me; He adores me so!"

As we honor our earthly fathers today, as we honor those who have assumed the role of provider, mentor, confidant and counselor, let's fix our eyes on the One who has given them that great responsibility to bear, and upholds them in their industry. Thank God for those He has placed in our lives to demonstrate His great love and care for us.

Happy Father's Day!