Measure of Success: Fruits of the Spirit

Yesterday, in one of my many conversations with myself, I stated the following:

"Success to me is measured by where I am in my walk with God."

I almost surprised myself with this revelation.

A lot of people measure success in terms of monetary wealth, financial gain, material possessions. How far they have climbed up the corporate ladder. The number of things they have checked off their bucket list. The goals they have achieved, the dreams they have realized. And while these things are testaments of success, this isn't where I have set my sights. At least, not anymore.

The other night at Bible study, my Pastor suggested that we write down the things we want and to put them “under the rod of God”; that is to speak life into our desires by presenting them before our Father and believing in faith for their actualization.

(*I do not like to use the word want in relation to blessings; for the remainder of this post, I will instead use the word desire.*)

As I sat and pondered my desires, I was a bit surprised by how they’d shifted over time. Today, I revisited a list I wrote back in 2004; the list was titled: "10 Things I Want To Do Before I Die" and is as follows:

Oh the desires of a young ambitious mind.

This is the list I wrote on my mirror the other night after Bible study; it is not in order of importance; there was no thought put into it. I just wrote down what came to mind at the time:

This new list garnered a lot of questions in me:

Why do I no longer desire the dreams of the list I wrote 10 years ago? Do I think it is too late to pursue such dreams? Have these desires truly faded away? Am I now unwilling or lack the energy to put in the work required for the fulfillment of these dreams? 

Does my current perception of fame factor into this?

(*Side note: Back when I wrote this list, clearly I had my sights set on a career in the entertainment industry. I now view the entertainment industry as the devil’s playground. Music is muddled with dark hidden agendas and you couldn’t pay me to go to Hollywood.*)

Or is my more subdued list a result of the development of my relationship with God? Is it because I have relinquished control over to Him and am trusting in Him solely to lead me to the calling HE has for me rather than what it is I "want(ed)" for myself?

This has to be it because now when I think about the things I TRULY desire, they are deeply rooted in my walk with God. I opened this post with a revelation of my new definition of success.

Although it is not number one of my current list (it's entwined in #3), first and foremost, success to me will be looking into the mirror and smiling back at the woman who has overcome all of her demons and is the honored, virtuous woman God has called her to be; the Proverbs 31 woman He has created us ALL to be. In that, I speak success daily. 

Secondly, success will be marrying that fellow Warrior of Christ; preferably being his first and only wife (#2), and together building a legacy upon which a strong, God-fearing family will evolve.

Related to this, obviously, is becoming a mother and raising competent, creative, beautiful, intelligent, Covenant-protected children; watching them grow into adults who continue on the legacy established by their father and I, the legacy founded by OUR Father. (#9 in 2004's "10")

This is success to me; and I know that without a solid relationship with God, I cannot attain any of these natural, yet spiritual desires.

Now don't get me wrong: I still desire a career in music, dance, and film. However, if it is not rooted in ministry, I don't want it. My dreams are no longer motivated by fame; they are inspired by God and my desire to please Him. This is why I pray that He bless and anoint my talents (#5), that they may be used to His glory, as a vessel for ministering His love. *ah-men*

Bringing it to the present, I do desire success on my job (#1); success as related to God's ministry. Do I see myself working in this position for the rest of my life? No. However, because this is where God has me, I desire to be the best I can be in this field. I thank Him for the contracts I will secure for the company, the jobs I will find for the 30+ men and women who sign in with me every morning. I praise God because He has placed me in a position committed to service…and as a child of God, there is no better position to be in.

On the mirror where this list is written, "$uccess..." is spelled with a dollar sign, as such. I too thank God for prosperity in this business as there is money to be made. Our disadvantage in comparison to other markets is that there isn't really much of a market. Or so it seems. I thank God for direction and guidance in the recruitment process; to lead me to those businesses that may benefit from our service. Sometimes you have to create a market where there is none. I've been hearing this for years.

The potential for profit here is so great that I know it is a gateway to the debt free life I desire. (#4) Yet, there is an even greater potential for spiritual growth in this job; not only because it is a practice of service but also in that it's teaching me patience, it's showing me those areas where I am selfish, and NOT slow to wrath. These little tests I have been studying through are appreciated more than a paycheck; as the rewards are eternal. (Don't make me preach to ya! ;)

Now, don't think that because my list is different, I have completely abandoned the aspirations of 24 year old Kristen. These dreams still remain. In fact, the only thing I would change on my "10 Things" list is to live in Spain instead of Italy. Something about the Spanish culture that appeals to my blood better. I'd still take a villa in Italy...for the holidays! ;)

So I guess you could say I have a new list of 10. I'll call this one "My 10 Fulfilled Promises of God". I am going to keep this between the two of us, though. I've just combined the two, revised it a bit, added a bit more poetry; it's beautiful and ALL under "the rod of God"!!! <3 <3 <3

I just have one question: Whose believing with me?