God’s measure of success is totally different than most of the world, especially the western world. When the Creator of the world came to live among us and “tabernacled” among us in human flesh, he humbled himself and taught by example God’s secret of success. (See Philippians 2:1-11.) Jesus upset people’s apple carts. He overturned the moneychanger’s tables and ran the merchandisers out of the temple. He shook and shamed His disciple’s measure of success.

Consider three marks that God measures success by, though shunned and scoffed at by most of the world – They are God’s secrets of success.

First – SOUL prosperity is a priority and key to true success. God desires that we prosper and be in health in accordance with one’s soul prosperity. (See III John 2.) The lack leads to stress and discontent. Jesus called the rich man who built bigger and bigger barns to hoard all his goods in but was not rich toward God a fool. This man had no thought nor relationship with God. “But God said unto him, thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:13-21).

Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) The greatest and most important things in life are not earned; they are gifts of God’s grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). God’s first criterion of success is – have you received His Son as the Savior and Lord of your soul? “He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (I John 5:12).

Second – SERVANTHOOD is God’s measure of success. When the disciple’s of Christ argued about who would be the greatest in Christ’s kingdom, Jesus brought a child before them and told them they could not even get into the kingdom unless they became as a little child. A child has simple faith and humility. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-4). Jesus taught that real success doesn’t lead to a big head but a big heart. “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:1-12).

Before Jesus was arrested and suffered and died on the cross for the sins of the world, he gave a living object lesson on greatness. Jesus arose from supper, “laid aside his garments and took a towel and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:1-17). You can imagine what a shocking, embarrassing, and humbling experience that must have been for the disciples. Then Jesus said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. . . the servant is not greater than his master” (John 13:14-17). I have been blessed to have met several “foot-washer” in my life. Servant-hood is God’s secret of success.

Third – SELFEFFACING humility is a God honoring and pleasing attitude by which He measures success. Moses was one of the most successful leaders in history. God called him, “Moses my servant”. He was referred to as the meekest man who ever lived. (See Numbers 12:3.) Jesus taught that the meek (humble) shall inherit the earth. (See Matthew 5:5.) Unassuming humility is a biblical principle of greatness. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). (See James 4:5-10.)

Pride is dangerous. It will send your soul to hell and alienate you from others by making you ready to reject any thought that contradicts your own opinions. God looks for those who are humble, teachable, and pliable. Those are the ones He can use and bless. The haughty will be passed by. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, for the flower of humility grows on the grave of pride.

Man’s view of success will not matter in eternity. God’s measure of success is what will be rewarded. Be real!