WHAT IS SUCCESS? CERTAINLY THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT OPINIONS AS TO WHAT THIS MEANS. WELL, COMING FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT OUR GREATEST QUEST FOR SUCCESS SHOULD BE TO BECOME A CHILD OF GOD. WHEN WE ACHIEVE THIS...THIS IS SUCCESS. AND WE WILL SPEND OUR ENTIRE LIFE 'STRIVING' TO DO THIS. THAT IS, STRIVING TO REACH PERFECTION. BUT WE WILL NEVER BE PERFECT(ATTAIN-PHIL 3:12)ON THIS SIDE. THUS, GOD WILL NOT JUDGE US ON WHETHER OR NOT WE REACH PERFECTION(SUCCESS), BUT RATHER ON WHETHER OR NOT WE 'TRIED'. FOR THAT IS WHAT CALVARY WAS ALL ABOUT. IT WAS ABOUT SINNERS, LIKE ME, WHO WOULD DAILY(1COR 15:30-31&LAM 3:22-23)NEED TO PLUNGE INTO HIS REDEEMING, CLEANSING AND RENEWING FOUNTAIN. PERSONAL WEALTH, DEGREES AND OUR POSSESSIONS MEAN NOTHING IF WE HAVE NOT SURRENDERED OUR LIVES TO OUR CREATOR. I AM NOT SAYING THAT SUCH THINGS ARE NOT IMPORTANT BUT TO HAVE SUCH THINGS AND NOT HAVE CHRIST...IS TO HAVE NOTHING. BUT THEN, ON THE OTHER HAND...TO HAVE CHRIST AND NOT HAVE 'SUCH THINGS'...IS STILL TO HAVE EVERYTHING. FOR CONSIDER...JESUS WAS NOT WEALTHY, HAD NO DEGREES OR PERSONAL POSSESSIONS, YET HE IS THE SINGLE MOST 'SUCCESSFUL' AND GREATEST MAN THAT EVER LIVED! THE WORD OF GOD SAYS, SEEK YE 'FIRST' THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN...AND THEN ALL THINGS WILL BE ADDED UNTO US(MATT 6:33). TO SUM IT ALL UP; THE BIGGEST SHAME WE CAN FACE IS NOT HAVING JESUS AS OUR PERSONAL SAVIOR. WE SHOULD FIRST AND FOREMOST...STRIVE TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS AND THEN... 'EVERYTHING ELSE' WILL BE ADDED UNTO US. I HAD TO DIVE RIGHT INTO THIS ONE, JOHN. THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS

Hello John-
This is a powerful truth from which all of us can learn a valuable lesson.Thank you for sharing.
Continued success-
Barbara J. Henry

The opportunities are out there, we just have to be open to them. Well stated.

hug
Kathy

Great advice, John. Amen! Love, peace, and blessings to you,

Regis

21st-century life is so filled with safety nets and opportunity for second chances that most fail to see what you have written has any importance. So many want to just, "fit in," and do what their buddies do rather than try to excel at anything.

I don't know about sin, but if we don't keep trying our best, our civilization will fail because mediocrity doesn't survive in a hostile world.

Ron

Wise words indeed to follow and heed

Wise words indeed.

Michael D.

Perfect simple reminder for the day, as I have to remind myself of this every day.

~John~
As Keegan's Scout motto is "Do Your Best"
Splendid write John. The Eagles are beautiful.

Lady Mary Ann

I agree! Amen to this!

Kathy J Parenteau

Amen to that, my friend.

Oh, yes! I've seen people "give up". That is one of the saddest things to behold.

Love ya!

Jane

All so true, and it 's a great reminder coming from you. But then that's what i expect from you. You are so positive.