A pastor I’ve known called me this week and asked if we are seeking for a place to meet. I said, “yes,” and when I asked why, he said his church is closing down and thus his church is available for us to meet.

Another failed church…

I was sad to see another local body of Christ disappear. Why would God allow so many churches to fail? Many of these pastors are sincere, and they truly care for the kingdom of God. Why would God let them fail like that after only a few years?

Then this thought came to me: Failed in whose eyes?

John the Baptist had a failed ministry. He had some followers, but he was imprisoned when he spoke against the king and eventually his ministry ended when he was beheaded. (Luke 7)

But failed in whose eyes?

What was the purpose of John’s life? He was to be a herald to Jesus the Messiah. His purpose was to point others to Christ. And he did his job! He appeared briefly on the scene and when Jesus arrived, he receded into the background just like he was made to do!

He was successful because he has fulfilled the purpose for which he was created!

What is the purpose of our lives?

Isn’t it to know God and to become like His Son Jesus and point others to Christ?

If you are stuck in a crummy job but you are being formed into Christ-likeness, then you are succeeding.
If your marriage partner gives you all kinds of grief but you are being formed into Christ-likeness through patience and perseverance, then you are succeeding.
If you are failing in school despite your effort, but you are drawing closer to Christ in humility, then you are succeeding.
If you are a stay-at-home mom, babysitting away your college education, but you are pointing your kids to Christ, then you are succeeding.

Be successful in God’s eyes.

And when you are, 9 out of 10, the world won’t think you are successful…

PH