In a world that constantly measures success by wealth, status, and possessions, it is easy to become distracted by the fleeting allure of materialism. From the billboards we pass on our way to work to the social media posts that flood our feeds, the cultural narrative often whispers that happiness and fulfillment are found in what we accumulate. Yet, despite these promises, many find themselves still yearning, still searching for something deeper, something more lasting.
The Bible offers us a radically different perspective on success—one that challenges the conventional definitions of fulfillment and redirects our hearts toward eternal treasures.
In Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT), Jesus tells us: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Here, Jesus reminds us that true fulfillment cannot be found in the fleeting things of this world. The things you possess or achieve today are temporary, but the treasures of heaven—good works, love, service, justice, mercy, and faithfulness—are eternal. The pursuit of wealth and status leaves you constantly chasing after the wind. But when you pursue God’s will and seek first His kingdom, you find something far more valuable and enduring.
In Matthew 6:33 (GNT), Jesus offers a different path to success: “be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.”
The promise is clear: when you put God’s will at the center of your life, when you prioritize His kingdom over worldly pursuits, everything you truly need will follow. This does not mean that wealth, success, or security will automatically come to you, but it does mean that in seeking to please God, your heart is aligned with His purpose for your life. You discover that fulfillment is not found in what you have, but in who you are becoming in Christ.
Building Right Relationships
At the core of God’s will is love—love for Him and love for your fellow human. Jesus summarizes God’s commandments in Matthew 22:37-39 as loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself. This means living in harmony with God and fellow humans, and avoiding actions that harm relationships. Cheating, dishonesty, stealing, and other wrongdoings damage relationships. True love seeks to honor God and prioritize the well-being of others through kindness, fairness, faithfulness, forgiveness, and more without expecting anything in return. When you build relationships that reflect this kind of love, you find true fulfillment. It is not in climbing the corporate ladder or accumulating wealth for the sake of personal gain, but in serving others and living in harmony with those around you, that you experience the depth of God’s joy and peace.
Character Over Comfort
In the pursuit of success, our culture often glorifies comfort and convenience. Yet, the Bible calls us to something deeper—character shaped through trials, perseverance, and spiritual growth. Romans 5:3-4 (NLT) reminds us: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
Character, shaped by God through the Holy Spirit, is far more valuable than selfish material gain. God desires for us to be people who reflect His goodness, mercy, integrity, patience, and kindness in all circumstances. This surprisingly brings a kind of fulfillment that far surpasses any temporary pleasure.
Service and Spiritual Growth
Another key to finding true fulfillment is service. Matthew 20:26-28 (NLT) shows us that greatness in God’s kingdom is defined not by power or position, but by our willingness to serve: “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
True fulfillment comes not in being served, but in serving others. When you focus on the well-being of those around you—whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or simply offering our time and attention—you participate in God’s work on earth. Service unto the Lord deepens your relationship with others and strengthens your relationship with God.
Success in God’s eyes is not defined by what you accumulate, but by how you live, how you love, and how you grow in character and faith. It is found in seeking God’s kingdom, building right relationships, growing in character, serving others, and seeking spiritual growth through His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. This is where the true riches of life are found.
Today, take a moment to reflect:
- Are you chasing after the fleeting promises of wealth and status?
- What does success look like in your life?
- Are you prioritizing God’s will and His kingdom?
- How can you build deeper relationships with God and others?
- Where might God be calling you to serve?
Prayer:
Lord, we confess that we often get caught up in the pursuit of worldly success and material wealth. Forgive us for the times we have prioritized things that are fleeting over things that are eternal. Help us to seek Your kingdom above all else. Teach us to build right relationships with You and with those around us. May our lives reflect Your love, character, and service, and may we find fulfillment not in what we have, but in who You are and who You are shaping us to be. Amen.
