Scrunched Eyebrows

If we stopped measuring our lives by society’s definition of success, how would we define a successful life from God’s perspective?

Inspired by a question submitted by another Vine, Laura.

If we stopped measuring our lives by society’s definition of success and by God’s definition and perspective, then lots of things would change for others and for me, and for the better. For myself, I find it difficult, I admit, to wrestle between trying not to care about finances and knowing I need them to live a regular lifestyle with the people who surround me. 

Finances and physical things usually measure society's success, but the Most High Jesus is known by his fruits and character, not by his career as a carpenter, but for being a loving, wise spiritual being. So, imagine if you were known for your character and fruits rather than your career, rank, finances, how many assets you have, or who you know. How do you think God would describe you? What do you think people who know you would say? Predominantly, how would you describe yourself?  

From what I am told, I am a strict, judgmental being who has a considerate side and is dependable, according to my immediate family and loved ones. In Galatians 5:22 -23, NIV: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control” So, lets breakdown what these words really mean.

Love

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10

According to Scripture, love is patient, kind, calm, humble, honest, revolves around trust and hope, and perseveres.  So, anything the opposite of that should be a warning evaluation of how that relationship with self or someone can be worked on. 

Joy

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4

As I read several scriptures related to joy, such as John 16:22, Psalms 119:111, Psalm 94:19, Psalms 37:4, and Isaiah 55:12, joy is described with sounds, joy, a burst of energy, singing, hope, and a content heart. It is an expression of gratitude and positivity.

Peace

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

As we see in this verse, peace is tied to singing, joy, acceptance/agreement, hence clapping; alignment; even nature is moving in happiness. This, to me, means someone who is at peace is in agreement with one's decisions and glad in that, which this being may express with emotions of singing, clapping, and laughter. 

Forbearance

God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. Romans 3:25

Forbearance means God’s mercy, patience, and forgiveness, and lack of judgment. Also means being slow to anger.

Kindness

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:32

“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” Matthew 5:42 

Kindness, it is being good to yourself and others, not the other way around. Be good to others but bad to yourself; that is deceitful, hypocritical, and leads to evilness. People-pleasing is not kindness, but as the scriptures said, as Christ is forgiving and giving, be the same way, where it does not put yourself in a bad predicament. How can you help more people while dying trying? Always make sure you are healthy, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Then your decisions can bless people and yourself.

Goodness

“ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 

How can I or we resemble being blessed, appreciation, if I or we act the opposite? Again, I may feel like death on my fast, but no one should know in that season. If I can look bright and lively all the time, that’s helpful in bringing people to the Lord. We all have trouble times, but with Christ vs. without Christ, that's where branches look and feel different. Moments are temporary, so bad or good passes away but will come again; that is goodness.

Faithfulness

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

This shows me that God is reliable. Steadfast, loyal to his children and commands; then every morning we can have trust and assurance; all is great; that is faithfulness. 

Gentleness

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit” Proverbs 15:4 

This highlights to me that voice, tone, posture, and intent all matter and can be the distinction between whether it helps someone grow or their demise. So speak life unto people and with your actions because if these two don’t align, then it's equally evil or deceit.

Self Control

“And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. You should enter life crippled rather than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. You should enter life lame rather than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. You should enter the kingdom of God with one eye rather than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:43–48

To exemplify, gluttony is a sin. Maybe I get tempted by sight, by watching a cooking show; however, I enjoy these things, but they are a very things that trigger the sin of gluttony, so it would be completely reasonable to cut off the cooking show and remove unhealthy food out of sight. This shows self-control and glorifies God, both good for one’s vessel, and stops the endless eating that passes for nutrients but abuse of food.

So if you wanted to change perspectives and measure fulfillment, blessings, and success by God’s definition rather than the world’s, how would that look? What behaviors, feelings, and appreciation can you start with today?

- Until next time, my Vines