Today’s fortune cookie said, “It doesn’t take much to be a success. It takes everything.” I tell my kids to always give their best effort. Your best effort is everything. Perhaps it won’t earn a 100% or 1st place, but the best effort is all you can give. Today, ask yourself this: Did I give my best?
If you cannot answer yes, then you work that out with God. Remember, life is about growing, changing, becoming who you were meant to be so as to bring honor and glory to God. It’s likely you won’t always give your best—let Him work with you through the reasons. When you do give your best, trust that the fruit will come at the appointed time.
This fortune reminded me of a question I had to ask people while in college. My professor had us ask people their definition of success. Many people had responses pointing to a happy and healthy family, to financial security, to job achievements. Some thought of success a different way – in being obedient to the will of God. Today, ask yourself this: What is my definition of success?
The answer to this question will dictate your path. If you see financial security as success, that’s your end goal, and your choices will be choices to help you get there step-by-step. If success to you is honoring and glorifying God, then your life choices will be acts of love and obedience and praise and service so as to bring God glory. Asking this question will help you to consider your motives and the desires of your heart.
Whenever you are considering your best and considering success, cover it with grace. What does this mean? Your salvation is a free gift from God. It is not earned – it’s GRACE. Do not let yourself get caught up in trying to earn something. Giving your best is not about earning something– it’s all about giving. As well, not meeting the mark, not finding success in an area of your life, can be frustrating and painful – give yourself GRACE. God has an amazing way to fill in our gaps – Amazing Grace! As you ask these questions today, rest in His amazing grace.
“Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 [TPT]
Tania Gutekunst 