Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday October 26, 2009

The idea of success conjures up many images in as many minds as there are people thinking about it. Many try, in vain, to adequately define success. I have read at least a $100,000 worth of material on the subject and I admit the people who wrote or made the tapes are very successful mostly from selling their material to guys like me.

As many of you know I read almost constantly and thankfully remember a good amount of the material. Last week I browsed through the daily letter of long friend and compatriot Dr. Steve Goens. You can get his letter at [email protected] It is worth asking for and is titled, "Life Is For Living." His letter on last Tuesday was about learning what really matters in this life. While trying to get the idea across he quoted another friend who is now aged, but a very successful man nonetheless. He pastored 3 very large churches over the course of fruitful life including the Calvary Baptist Church in Connersville, IN, the mega First Baptist Church of New Castle, Delaware and the at onetime largest Baptist in the world, the Temple Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan. Steve wrote in his letter:

Someone asked A.V. Henderson what he feared most. After a moment he lifted his eyes and looked at the one that asked the question and said:

"The thing I fear most is being a great success at something that doesn't matter."

On reflection this is one of the most insightful statements I have read in my entire life.

Many are running to and fro these days much as Daniel stated they would and success for the last 70 years has literally dripped from Christian Americans. By any standard except one we have been blessed above all nations of the earth. Yet the "except one" is the one that matters most. While riding the roller coaster of hedonism, we have missed the wings of eagles God has for us and we are reaping a bitter harvest of shame, tears, addictions and a plethora of heartaches.

When you set out to pursue the brass ring called success it is wise to ask a few questions concerning the biblical compared to world success. How long will the results of your success last? A correct answer to the question followed by appropriate action can change your life and many others.

"The thing I fear most is being a great success at something that doesn't matter."

Have you given this any thought? Lately?

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2009 Use with Credit

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