How Should Christians Measure Success?
By Rick Warren
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
I would rather attempt to do something great with my life and fail than attempt to do nothing with my life and succeed.
Yet, that's where most people are! They're drifting through life. They have no goals. They’re not aiming for the moon because they’re so afraid they’re just going to hit the fencepost. People have forgotten or never understood that failure is not the same as being unable to do something. Failure is being unwilling to try.
When Kay and I started Saddleback more than 40 years ago, I told my family many times that I wanted these four words written on my tombstone: “At least he tried.” The jury was still out on whether or not our little church would last.
I had a great goal and vision. And even if I never reached it, I wanted it to be known that I at least tried. I can't put that on my tombstone today because the plan worked, by God’s grace. But in the early days of a project or business or ministry, it's okay for you to say, “At least I tried.”
That is faith. You move forward in spite of your fears. The Bible says in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (NIV). When you move forward and show God you’re willing to trust him with the unknown, you are choosing how much God will bless your life.
Life is a marathon. People do not run a marathon to get first place. Only one person out of the thousands running can get first place. They run a marathon to finish and be able to say, “I did it. I tried!”
You're not going to be number one in most things in life, and neither am I. What really matters is this: Did you finish the race strong, or did you quit too soon or coast for the latter part of your life? Did you run hard and fast for Jesus Christ until the day he took you home?
Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (NIV). Faith means you try. You set a goal, take risks, and work hard. Whether or not you reach your goal or challenge is irrelevant.
When you attempt something for the glory of God, you can't be considered a failure, no matter what happens. If you're doing something in faith, then you're already a success.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.