What Success Really Means: A Heart Set On Eternity

What is success? And who actually determines it? Is it measured by Fortune 500 lists or by a feature in Forbes? How do we know—deep down—if we’ve truly reached success? When our lives are over, will anyone stand at our funeral and say, “Yes, they made enough money, they accomplished enough, they were successful”?

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been sitting with this question, wondering what success really looks like. When my time on earth is finished, what will people say about me? Is success defined only by what we earned or achieved, or is it something deeper?

Webster’s Dictionary defines success as “a degree or measure of succeeding.” But who determines that degree? What is the standard we’re being measured against? And is that the standard I want defining my life? Am I living to impress others or for something more meaningful?

Recent events have pushed me to reflect on what I am truly pursuing and how I will be remembered. I don’t want people to say, “Well, she made some really pretty flowers.” Surely my life is meant for more than that.

As I’ve prayed and wrestled with these thoughts, one verse continues to echo in my heart: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” To me, that is the definition of success. That is how I want to be remembered.

If I were to meet my Savior today, would He be able to say those sweet words to me? Have I been faithful with what He has given me? The verse continues, “You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together.”

Success, then, becomes about investing what He has entrusted to me to do for His glory. Being faithful. Being diligent. Sharing His word, His love, His message.

Matthew 6:19–21 reminds 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… Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

I want my heart, my treasure, to be fixed on things above. I want my life to shine like a city on a hill, to let Him transform me, and to glorify Him in whatever I say, do, eat, or drink.

But when I ask myself honestly, have I been bold enough? Have I been a light? Have I shown Christ first to my family, then to those around me?I don’t know. And if I’m being truthful, probably not. I’ve been more self-focused, chasing my own ambitions.

I don’t want to be remembered for the worldly things I’ve done. I want to live in pursuit of hearing those words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

To me, that is success and that is what I will strive for.