"A hundred years ago, Ralph Waldo Emerson noted three qualities he deemed
marks of true success: the ability to discern and appreciate beauty,
the ability to see the best in others, and a commitment to leaving the world a better place."
Emerson didn't say that success is in becoming a powerful politician, a
wealthy business man or woman, a popular movie star, sportsman/ woman,
an outstanding speaker. Nor did he say it had anything to do with physical
beauty or material possessions. This is not to say that there is anything
wrong, in and of themselves, with any or all of the above, but if this is our
definition or measure of success, it has fallen far short of success in the eyes
of God. beauty or material possessions.
God's measure of success is, first of all, in studying and meditating on his
Word, so we know what it teaches, and second, in obeying all of God's laws
and living in harmony with his will. Keep in mind, being a prosperous
person has little if anything to do with material prosperity, but rather it has
to do with knowing and obeying God's Word and living in harmony with his
will. Also, having the qualities Emerson described above would also make
one very prosperous.
And as another has said, "Judge your success not only by what you've
become, but by what others have become because of you."
Dear God...
please open ...
the eyes of my understanding ...
so that I will fully grasp ...
the meaning and impact ...
of all your laws and principles ...
for successful and prosperous living ...
and the good sense ...
to obey and live ...
in harmony with all of these...