Leaders Who Last Part 4

We must define the win. If the win is defined by the world, such as, money, fame, numbers (alone), your sense of mission will wane with time and pressure.

John 15:4,5 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” All of us want to see “fruit.” We want to be successful.

Wanting to be successful is biblical, but how do you define it? If one’s definition is dominated by fame, money, or ego building, we not only fail to gain satisfaction, but we place undue pressure on ourselves to succeed. In the end, the work will become either intolerable (because of lack of worldly success) or boring because worldly success does not satisfy.

Some ministers define success by numbers. A friend of mine and I were having lunch a few years ago. Both of us needed a renewal of vision and mission. He made the statement, “What will I have accomplished if we grow another thousand people? What’s next, another thousand!” He was realizing that the world’s, and often the church’s, definition of success was not satisfying.

Others may define success as proving themselves to someone or become well known for their accomplishments. The ministers who have fallen into sin are often those whose names you recognize. Success and fame did not satisfy.

So, what is a good definition of success? It’s basically finding the will of God for your life, doing it, and giving God all the glory for the results. A desire to reach your community for Christ, disciple Christians, and pour your life into other called ministers, are worthy endeavors.

What is the biblical definition? What should our passion be? I believe Scripture teaches that it’s simply the great commission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19,20.

A worthy quest, then, is to reach your community for Christ. Define the win and then never lose sight of it.

Next lesson: A disciplined life.