What Does Success Cost You?

Moving Forwards 5 by svilen at free images.com

How do you define success?

You have a definition.  In fact, you have some different definitions of success according to the realm of life.  For example, my mind defines success as it relates to being a preacher, father, husband, son, financially, and as a farmer now.  This definition that we have developed for success has been formed overtime.  Various factors help create this definition.  Our culture, the Word of God, our family, and our friends, and our employer all shape what our definition is for success.

[important]Here is the question, “What does that definition of success cost me?”¹ [/important]

I first read this question in the book Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I thought it was a wonderfully piercing question.  It comes in a chapter dealing with simplicity and the Amish value of “working hard for the principles they stand for and live by, not for money and accumulation of wealth” (p. 22).

Give it some thought:  What is your definition of success and what is that definition costing you?  Is it a good aim and goal?  If you attain it, will it be worth the sacrifices?

For example, some men have defined success as having to make so much money and attain a career status, but this definition costs them their marriage or a good relationships with their kids.  Some parents define success as it relates to their kids involvement in sports or academic accomplishments, but this definition can cost them family time, spiritual training, and a diminished role of the church in their lives.

I am not saying success is a bad aim or we should not as Christians seek success. I am not saying it is wrong to seek success in your career or relate your parenting success somewhat to your kids involvement in sports and education.  But I am asking you to consider and meditate on what is your definition and what is that definition costing you.

Because many have ended up at their definition, and then regretted the journey because the cost was too high.  If they could do it again they would have a different definition.  

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This question is found on page 23 of the book Amish Peace by Suzanne Fisher