The Bible has a lot to say about success and what it means to live a successful life according to God’s standards. True success in the Bible is not defined by worldly measures like wealth, fame, power, or status. Rather, success is determined by faithfulness, obedience, and bringing glory to God.
Here are some key themes in the Bible regarding success:
Success comes from God
All blessings and successes come from God, not our own efforts. We must rely on God and seek His will above all else. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Success is a gift from God, not something we can achieve solely by our own power.
Obedience and righteousness
To be successful in God’s eyes, we must live righteously and obey His commandments. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked…but his delight is in the law of the Lord” (Psalm 1:1-2). “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Pursuing holy living and obedience to God should be our top priority.
Faithfulness and stewardship
God cares more about our faithfulness than our worldly achievements. We are called to be good stewards of what God has given us. “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Success is using our gifts and resources wisely for God’s purposes.
Storing up heavenly treasure
Worldly success is fleeting, but heavenly rewards are eternal. Our focus should be on storing up treasure in heaven, not on earth. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). The greatest success is becoming rich toward God.
Humility and servanthood
True success requires humility, not pride. We are called to emulate Jesus’ example of serving others, not seeking worldly status. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you” (James 4:10). Success is using our gifts to serve God and others, not ourselves.
Perseverance through trials
Success often requires persevering through difficult trials. We must maintain our faith and character through life’s hardships. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12). “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance…character…hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Success comes from developing godly character and hope.
Living by God’s wisdom
Worldly wisdom leads to destruction, but godly wisdom leads to success. We must seek wisdom from God’s Word. “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom…nothing you desire can compare with her…All her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:13, 17-18). “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). Biblical wisdom is key to true success.
Impact on eternity
The greatest success is anything that impacts eternity by bringing people to salvation in Christ. “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Our ultimate success is measured by eternal, not worldly, rewards.
In summary, true biblical success means living faithfully, righteously, humbly, and wisely to glorify God and store up eternal treasures in heaven. Our worldly achievements, wealth, and accolades are worthless compared to the eternal significance of knowing and serving God. We must seek God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else if we want to live successful lives by biblical standards.
Old Testament Examples of Success
Joseph
Joseph demonstrated incredible perseverance, integrity, and faithfulness during trials and temptations (Genesis 37-50). Though sold into slavery and imprisoned falsely, he served diligently and eventually rose to power, saving many lives. His successes ultimately pointed ahead to the coming Messiah.
Joshua
Joshua obeyed the Lord fully and led the Israelites courageously into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-9). He prioritized prayer, God’s Word, and righteous living. Joshua’s leadership success pointed people back to the Lord.
Daniel
Daniel refused to compromise his faith and integrity even while serving pagan kings (Daniel 1-6). He trusted the Lord to deliver him from lions and persevered in prayer. Daniel’s lifelong faithfulness to God was true success.
Ruth
A foreign widow, Ruth demonstrated remarkable faith, loyalty, and trust in the Lord (Ruth 1-4). She left her homeland and served Naomi sacrificially. Ruth was ultimately blessed as David’s great-grandmother. Her story depicts true success.
New Testament Examples of Success
Jesus
The perfect embodiment of success, Jesus prioritized serving God over all worldly allurements (Luke 22:42). On the cross, He achieved ultimate, eternal victory despite appearances of defeat. Jesus defined success as complete obedience to God.
Paul
Paul persevered tirelessly in Gospel ministry despite beatings, stoning, imprisonment, and shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). His missionary impact was massive. Paul demonstrated that success means everything done for God’s glory.
Peter
An impulsive fisherman, Peter grew into a pillar of the early church. He spread the Gospel boldly after Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41). Peter exemplified how success comes from allowing Christ to transform our weaknesses.
Mary Magdalene
Delivered from seven demons, Mary became a faithful follower of Christ (Luke 8:2). She supported Jesus’ ministry and proclaimed His resurrection, succeeding in telling others about Christ.
Keys to Success from the Bible
If we want true, lasting success as Scripture defines it, here are some key principles to keep in mind:
- Seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first (Matthew 6:33)
- Fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
- Pursue righteous living through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25)
- Bear good fruit for God’s glory (Matthew 7:17-20)
- Use gifts and resources wisely as a steward (1 Peter 4:10-11)
- Persevere in doing good works (Galatians 6:9-10)
- Walk in God’s wisdom, not the world’s (James 3:13-18)
- Live humbly and serve others (Mark 10:43-45)
- Trust God’s plans when facing trials (James 1:2-4)
- Store up eternal treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
Success requires depending on God daily, obeying Him wholeheartedly, pursuing Christlikeness, serving others generously, persevering with hope, and living with eternity in mind. According to the Bible, true success is not measured by any worldly achievement, but by our faithful relationship with Jesus Christ and the eternal impact we have for God’s glory.