When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?
When we hear the word “successful,” many names may come to mind—great leaders, innovators, philanthropists, and more. However, if we seek a timeless and spiritual perspective on success, the person who often stands out is none other than the remarkable Apostle Paul. Why Paul? Because he was a man who could confidently declare that he had fulfilled his God-given purpose. In this blog, we will explore the idea that true success, from a Christian perspective, is intricately tied to fulfilling the purpose for which God created you.
*1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)* – “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”
Paul’s life was a testament to God’s transformative power. Once a persecutor of Christians, he became a passionate follower of Christ, preaching the Gospel relentlessly. His journey reminds us that success can often come from the most unexpected transformations.
**Understanding Paul’s Success:**
Apostle Paul’s success wasn’t defined by earthly wealth or fame; it was measured by his unwavering commitment to fulfill his divine calling. He dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and establishing churches, even in the face of adversity. He knew his purpose, and he lived it out diligently.
**Defining True Success:**
To be truly successful in the Christian sense, we must consider the following:
1. **Seek God’s Purpose:** Spend time in prayer and reflection to understand the purpose God has for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope.
2. **Commit to God’s Will:** Success isn’t just about self-fulfillment; it’s about aligning with God’s will. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us to commit our plans to the Lord, and our success will be established.
3. **Serve Others:** Success isn’t about amassing wealth or power but about serving others. Mark 10:45 teaches us that true greatness is found in serving others, just as Christ did.
4. **Endure Adversity:** Success often involves enduring challenges and hardships. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 reminds us that we may be pressed on all sides, but we are not crushed.
**Conclusion:**
In Apostle Paul, we find an inspirational example of success—fulfilling the purpose for which God created him. His life teaches us that true success is measured by the impact we make on others and our unwavering commitment to God’s plan. Let Paul’s journey inspire us to seek God’s purpose, commit to His will, serve others, and endure all challenges on the path to success. In doing so, we can live a life that fulfills the divine purpose God has for each of us.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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