I went to bed and woke up with a personal struggle. How important is success to me? How much do I do because I want others to be impressed? Should success be important?
Just like anyone else who grew up in church, I heard great quotes like this one from William Carey, "Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God." A tear probably rolled down my cheek the first time I heard it. But, is that right? Should we want to be great? Even if it is being great for God? Should I want success even if it success for the Gospel?
One thought gave me clarity this morning. It was a thought birthed by reflecting on Paul's prayer is Romans 1. In his prayer, Paul unabashedly admits to asking God for "much fruit" in his ministry. And, it wasn't the first time or the last time, he asked to have a big, flourishing ministry.
Of course, he meant legitimate fruit and success according to God's standards, but he also meant having impacting a lot of people. As we start this process of planting a church, I don't want one ounce of glory or honor to be for me, my family, or my friends who help. But, I do hope we will be immensely successful. And, like Paul, I hope we reach a ship load of people. I guess if Paul wasn't ashamed to admit it, I shouldn't be either.
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