Redefining Success on God's Terms: Week 1

Let me ask you something: How do you define success? Is it the size of your paycheck? The title on your business card? Maybe it’s having the perfect home, the right car, or just being able to provide for your family.

Those are all great things, but here’s the big question: Are those things aligned with what God has called you to?

Today, we’re kicking off this 26-week journey by tackling one of the most important questions you’ll ever ask yourself: What does success really mean?

Table of Contents

The World’s Definition of Success

The world has a pretty loud voice when it comes to defining success, doesn’t it?

We’re told to work harder, earn more, buy bigger, and climb higher.
Success is measured in things like promotions, possessions, and prestige.

But here’s the problem: None of those things are guaranteed to bring joy or fulfillment.

You can have a six-figure salary and still feel empty.
You can have a picture-perfect Instagram life and still feel like you’re missing the point.

I know, because I’ve been there. I spent years chasing the world’s definition of success, only to realize it wasn’t what I truly wanted—or what God wanted for me.

Scripture Reference:
Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

This verse reminds us that while we might be chasing our own version of success, God is the one who guides us toward what truly matters.
The challenge isn’t just making plans—it’s inviting God into those plans and letting Him lead.

Redefining Success: God’s Definition

So, what does success look like from God’s perspective?

Faithfulness Over Achievement:
- Success isn’t about what you achieve; it’s about who you become.
- Are you faithful in the small things? Are you living in alignment with God’s Word?
- Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
Relationships Over Possessions:
- Success is about the impact you have on the people God has placed in your life—your spouse, your kids, your coworkers.
- 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that love is the greatest thing we can give and receive.
Purpose Over Popularity:
- True success is found in walking in God’s purpose for your life.
- But here’s the big question: What if you’re not sure what your purpose is?

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Discovering Your Purpose

Let’s talk about what to do when you’re not sure what your purpose is.

Start With What You Know:
- God’s purpose for all of us is to glorify Him and serve others.
- Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
- No matter your job title or season of life, you can start living purposefully by doing your best to honor God in the small things.
Listen for God’s Voice:
- Purpose often becomes clear over time. Spend time in prayer, ask God to reveal where He’s leading you, and stay patient.
- Sometimes purpose isn’t a lightning bolt; it’s a series of small nudges over time.
Align Your Passions With God’s Will:
- What are you passionate about? What are your gifts? God often uses those to reveal your purpose.
- But remember, your purpose isn’t just about what you want—it’s about where God is calling you to serve.
Seek Wise Counsel:
- Talk to your spouse, a trusted friend, or a mentor. Sometimes the people around you can see your gifts and potential more clearly than you can.
- Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

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How to Redefine Success in Your Life

If you’re feeling stuck or off track, don’t worry. God’s grace gives us the chance to realign our lives every single day. Here’s how to start:

Reflect on Your Priorities:
- Ask yourself: What am I chasing right now? Is it aligned with what God wants for me?
- Write it down in your journal. Be honest with yourself.
Seek God’s Guidance:
- Spend time in prayer. Ask God to reveal areas where your definition of success needs to shift.
Take Small, Consistent Steps:
- You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start with one small change that aligns your life more closely with God’s plan.

Action Step for This Week:

Take 15 minutes to write down your definition of success and compare it to what you believe God’s definition might be. Where do they align? Where do they differ?

Redefining success isn’t easy. It’s countercultural. It’s uncomfortable. But it’s worth it. Because when you live life on God’s terms, you’ll find a deeper sense of peace, joy, and purpose than anything this world can offer.

Next week, we’ll take the next step on this journey by creating a vision for your life worth living. I’ll walk you through how to define what really matters to you and set the foundation for the rest of this series.

Until then, remember: Life is too short to live stuck in a rut. Let’s go beyond it.

Journal Prompts for Week 1: Redefining Success on God’s Terms

These prompts are designed to help listeners reflect deeply on their current definition of success, how it aligns with God’s plan, and steps they can take to move toward a more purposeful life.

Prompt 1: Reflect on Your Current Definition of Success

How do you currently define success in your life? Think about areas like your faith, family, career, and finances.
What are the main goals you’re pursuing right now? Are they driven by your desires, others’ expectations, or God’s direction?
What emotions come up when you think about your current definition of success? (e.g., peace, anxiety, contentment, frustration)
Are there areas in your life where you feel like you’re falling short? Why?

Prompt 2: Explore God’s Definition of Success

Reflect on Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
- How does this verse challenge or affirm your current approach to success?
What do you believe God values most in your life? (e.g., relationships, faithfulness, integrity, service)
Think of a time when you felt fully aligned with God’s plan. What was different about that season of your life compared to now?
What gifts, talents, or passions has God given you that you could use for His purpose?

Prompt 3: Align Your Goals with God’s Purpose

Write down one area of your life (faith, family, career, finances) where your goals might not align with God’s plan. What needs to change?
What would it look like to bring God into your plans for the week ahead? How can you invite Him to guide your decisions?
Who in your life can you talk to for wisdom or encouragement about aligning your goals with God’s purpose?

Prompt 4: Take Action This Week

What is one small step you can take this week to shift your definition of success closer to God’s?
Examples:
- Spend more intentional time with your family.
- Commit your work projects to God in prayer.
- Choose to serve someone without expecting anything in return.
Write a short prayer asking God to help you redefine success on His terms. Here’s a starting point:
“Father, I know my idea of success hasn’t always matched Your will for my life. Help me see success through Your eyes. Show me where I need to change, and guide me as I take steps to live with purpose and faith. Amen.”