The Measurement Of True Success

Just before Saul was anointed king, he humbly saw himself as a member of an insignificant family in the smallest tribe of Israel (1 Samuel 9:21). However, within a few years, he had erected a monument in his own honor and had become the supreme authority for his conduct, instead of following God's explicit instructions (1 Samuel 15:11-12; cf. 1 Samuel 15:1-3).

The prophet, Samuel confronted Saul for his disobedience to God by reminding him:

"When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel?" (1 Samuel 15:17).

Self-importance is the first step down the slippery slope of what the world calls "success." It begins when we claim credit for God-given victories and modify His commands to suit our own selfish desires as Saul obviously did (1 Samuel 15:16-23).

Dear reader, true success is measured by (1) remaining on God's path; (2) following and obeying His Word; and (3) giving Him all honor, glory, and praise (Proverbs 3:5-10).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets