Keeping Up Appearances
Theme of the Week: Success? By Whose Yardstick?
Steven James
Monday, August 21, 2006
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 4:4). Bonus Reading: Philippians 3:17-19
To most people, according to author Denis Haack, "Success means attaining some measure of money, fame, power, and self-fulfillment—and then looking the part."
I'd say that's a pretty accurate definition of our society's version of success. I mean, think about it. Why are you wearing the clothes you have on? Or why do you drive the car you do? Why do you live in the house or the neighborhood you do?
"But Steve," you say, "I can't afford a nicer car or a better house."
That's right. But if you had the money to get a better car, nicer clothes, or a bigger home, you'd buy them, right? Most of us would. Why? So people will notice and think we're successful. After all, in our society, how successful are we—really—if no one notices?
Once, when Socrates saw a woman all dressed up for a trip to the city, he remarked, "I suspect that your trip is not to see the city, but for the city to see you." It's sobering, even heartbreaking, to realize how much of our lives we spend on the futile and frantic attempt to become and appear more successful than the very people Jesus has called us to serve and to honor above ourselves.
—Steven James in Becoming Real
My Response: How have I sometimes let concerns about image trump substance?
Adapted from Becoming Real (Howard, 2005) by permission.
Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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I realize, Lord, that I can only become a success in Your eyes if I understand what true success looks like. Please show me.
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