Redefining Success – Ben

We live in a world of affluence. From cars to planes, from cell phones to computers, and from grocery stores to hospitals, everywhere we look we find that for every want there is a product. And because of the marriage between capitalism and consumerism all we need is money to get it (whatever it may be). It no longer matters if you are born a prince or pauper. As long as you have cash or credit, no pleasure is outside one’s reach. 

Money is the key to everything you see. Get enough of it and your neighbors, friends, and family will begin to think you're successful. Get enough of it and even your own heart will start to believe that you're finally living the "good" life. And, eventually, you may even say to yourself, “It’s finally time to rest and enjoy the fruit of my labor.” (Technically, no one talks or thinks like this; but you get the point.)

But then as you finally rest from your toil an unwelcomed guest appears at your door. You do not know who invited them… and you do not care. All you want is for them to go away. You won’t even open the door for fear that they may force their way in. Yet, despite your feeble attempts at a delay, Death comes anyway. 

You begin to fear. All of a sudden you are no longer the “you” you worked so hard to make. In an instant, all of your stuff is stripped away leaving nothing. How vulnerable and helpless you begin to feel. You even wonder to yourself, “Where are we going?” Death seems to take notice of your unspoken question and so replies, “To a Kingdom without borders. To a King without end.”

Death ushers you before this never-ending King of this borderless Kingdom. The King speaks first, “Who have you brought me, Death?” She replies, “One who was rich in that world but poor in this one.” “Shame.” The King says and then muses to himself, “Why do my image-bearers persist in pursuits which do not last?” 

Before anyone can answer, the King’s eyes full of white fire bore into you. And right before it hits you the last words you hear are, "Foolish child."

And then there is nothing. 

Only darkness. 

And then pain.

The end without end.  

Would you say this man was a success? No. Of course you wouldn't.

True success comes when a life treasures things that cannot be stolen, cannot be corrupted, and cannot be lost. Jesus says, "Where you treasure is, there is your heart also." When Death comes for you, as it will for us all, will she rip you from your treasures or usher you into them?