An Alternative Perspective to The Christian View of Success
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
Introduction to An Alternative Perspective to The Christian View of Success and Purpose
What does success mean to you? For many, the concept of success is synonymous with the American Dream—a pursuit of wealth, status, and the accumulation of useless stuff that you might use a handful of times before offloading for ten cents on the dollar when you get a bigger, more expensive house. This societal blueprint often emphasizes high-paying jobs, luxurious homes, and prestigious accolades as the ultimate indicators of a successful life. Notice I did not delineate between the Christian life and any other type of life.
The definition of success according to many Bible-believing Christians may sound different, but deep down it’s really not. How do I know this? Because I used to be one myself. Are these things truly the most fulfilling path to pursue? This was the question I would ask before quickly realizing that purpose, experience and relationships are what we should be pursuing.
The proper Christian view of success and purpose offers a refreshing and alternative perspective that challenges conventional notions. It invites us to rethink our priorities and consider what it means to live a life driven by purpose rather than profit. Instead of chasing after material wealth and societal approval, the Christian perspective emphasizes fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and a sense of divine calling.
- Introduction to An Alternative Perspective to The Christian View of Success and Purpose
- The Proper Christian View on Success and Purpose
- Practical Steps to Embrace a Christian View on Success and Purpose
- How to Pursue Purpose Over the American Dream in Your Life
- Conclusion to An Alternative Perspective to The Christian View of Success and Purpose
How Most People, Including Christians, Define Success.
One thing that really gets under my skin is when I hear a pastor mention that giving is the key to true success in life. In fact, God’s kingdom rewards those who give with health, wealth and prosperity. They say only good things will come your way if you just give more!
Unfortunately, the will of God doesn’t work like that. The word of God doesn’t read like that. The grace of God doesn’t act like that, and the love of God certainly doesn’t love like that. God’s plan for us is to love Him first and love people second. Nowhere does it say in the Old Testament or New Testament that God blesses those who give with a life filled with no worries, no problems and tons of success.
Now, let me be clear. The Bible absolutely mentions that God blesses those who give. That is not what I’m saying in this post.
In this post, I want to offer an alternative perspective to the normal Christian view of success. This might be known as the prosperity gospel, health and wealth and the simple notion that the Christian life is butterflies and rainbows all the time.
In this blog post, we will explore this alternative view of success from a Christian standpoint. We’ll delve into the Biblical foundations that redefine what it means to be successful and examine how aligning our careers with our calling can lead to a more purposeful and content life. You’ll discover practical steps to embrace this perspective and read inspiring stories of individuals who have found true fulfillment by prioritizing their faith and purpose over the pursuit of material gain.
Defining Success in Modern Society
The American Dream and Material Wealth
The American Dream. A life of bliss filled with regular brunch, daily golf, island-hopping and sun tans. Not to mention a full bank account, fully-funded retirement account and a business that you own in which no problems ever seem to occur. You’re simply living the dream!
What if I were to tell you that a life like that isn’t attainable? What if I were to say that every person that has ever walked this earth experiences hardship, pain, loss and failure at some point in their life?
The American Dream provides a nice picture of a truly successful person according to some standard that cannot be attained. You may have a beautiful house, a good job and true happiness. I hope you do. Material wealth should not be judged in an of itself. These things can truly be a gift of God. However, far too many of us engage in consumerism, a “bigger is better” mentality and keeping up with the proverbial “Jones family” so others think we’re more successful than we actually are.
Unfortunately, this focus on material wealth and status often leads to a sense of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment. As people strive to accumulate more, they may find themselves trapped in a cycle of consumerism, always chasing the next big purchase or promotion. The pressure to keep up with societal expectations can be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of purpose.
Societal Pressure and Consumerism
Consumer culture exacerbates this problem by constantly bombarding us with messages that equate happiness with material possessions. Social media often portrays an idealized version of life, suggesting that success and fulfillment are just a purchase away or attainable with the 30 day course that’s being sponsored. This creates a never-ending desire for more, driving people to measure their worth by their wealth and possessions. If we only saw behind the curtain…
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people who place a high value on material possessions tend to experience lower levels of life satisfaction and well-being. This suggests that the pursuit of material wealth, while often seen as a pathway to success, may actually undermine our overall happiness and sense of purpose.
Human beings are driven by dopamine for better or for worse. Dopamine hits are created every time we press the “Buy” button on Amazon or have a new notification from Instagram or Facebook. We deem real success as having at least as much money in the bank as our peers, a car that’s pretty close in value and a home that is above the local average for housing prices.
The Proper Christian View on Success and Purpose
Biblical Foundations of Success
The Bible offers a different perspective on success, one that emphasizes spiritual fulfillment and obedience to God’s will.
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
- Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
- Matthew 22:37-39: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Worldly success, as we often hear in Christian circles, is “sin” or “the flesh”. Maybe. Or maybe it’s sinful people choosing to make decisions that align with their preferences. Personal success is not sin. It can’t make a choice, and it’s not a living, breathing being. The sin is the choice that is made by the individual consumers.
The Holy Spirit is phenomenal at leading us further into the kingdom of God. Remembering that verses like these give us a biblical perspective of our purpose and calling in this world forces God’s people to no longer have eyes of the world, but solely on the work of Jesus.
Purpose Over Prosperity
​On the flip side of prosperity and consumerism is purpose. Choosing to live a life filled with God’s grace for your mistakes and God’s word for your pathway is the best way to guarantee hard work, heartache, pain and an incredible amount of purpose.
The first thing you must realize about pursuing a purposeful life is that life will suck from time to time. Temporal happiness may subside, but eternal joy will remain present. The measures of success will not be based on dollar signs. Your new metrics will be based on impact.
The second thing you must realize is that pursuing a purposeful life in today’s culture is becoming more and more difficult. It has never been easier to accumulate your 15 minutes of fame or a small fortune. The whole world has access to this technology. Fortunately, for us, once we taste purpose, we don’t want the other side. It becomes stale and boring.
The Role of Relationships and Community
In addition to purpose, the correct Christian view of success emphasizes the importance of relationships and community. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This underscores the belief that true success involves cultivating loving and supportive relationships with others.
I used to prefer reading about investing or listening to a podcast about building a real estate empire. I was young and dumb. While I still find value in those modes of entertainment, I prefer a late night hang with a cigar, glass of whiskey and a deep question or two. Community is what forces us to keep going when we are at our lowest. Our communities inspire and motivate us to better men, husbands and father.
The relationships you have and the community you are building are essential to choosing to live a life of purpose as opposed to the American Dream. We have friends that have chosen both routes.
​It’s very evident to us who we enjoy being around more. We love all of our friends. We even have several of them over for dinner once per month. However, when our friends get caught up in the rat races of life, they are hard to talk to. I’ll be transparent about that. Our friends that have chosen purpose seem to be more curious about our lives and less interested in telling us about theirs.
Contrasting the Christian and Secular Views of Success
Temporal vs. Eternal Perspectives
One of the fundamental differences between the Christian and secular views of success is the focus on temporal versus eternal perspectives. The secular view often prioritizes immediate gratification and tangible achievements, such as career advancements, financial wealth, and social status. In contrast, the Christian view emphasizes eternal rewards and spiritual growth, encouraging believers to focus on their relationship with God and their eternal destiny.
Personal Fulfillment and Contentment
The pursuit of material success often leads to a never-ending cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. In contrast, the Christian view of success promotes contentment and joy irrespective of external circumstances. Philippians 4:11-13 illustrates this mindset, where Paul writes, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. So I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Practical Steps to Embrace a Christian View on Success and Purpose
Identifying God’s Calling
Understanding and pursuing one’s divine calling is central to the Christian view of success. This process involves seeking God’s guidance through prayer, meditation, and reflection. Practical steps to discern God’s purpose for your life include:
1. Prayer and Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal His plans for your life. Reflect on your passions, talents, and experiences to identify areas where you feel called to serve.
2. Scripture Study: Read and meditate on Bible verses that speak about purpose and calling. Passages such as Romans 12:2 and Proverbs 3:5-6 can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
3. Seek Counsel: Talk to trusted mentors, pastors, or spiritual advisors who can offer guidance and support as you seek to understand your calling.
How to Pursue Purpose Over the American Dream in Your Life
In a world that often equates success with wealth, status, and material possessions, pursuing a life driven by purpose can be challenging yet immensely rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prioritize purpose over the American Dream:
1. Reflect on Your Values and Beliefs
Step 1: Identify Core Values
– Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Your core values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions and actions. Consider values such as integrity, compassion, faith, and service.
Step 2: Align Values with Actions
– Assess whether your daily actions align with your core values. Make necessary adjustments to ensure your lifestyle reflects your beliefs.
2. Seek God’s Guidance
Step 1: Prayer and Meditation
– Spend time in prayer and meditation, asking God to reveal His plans for your life. Reflect on how you can serve His purpose.
Step 2: Study Scripture
– Dive into the Bible to find verses that speak about purpose and calling. Verses like Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6 can provide clarity and direction.
Step 3: Consult Spiritual Mentors
– Seek advice from pastors, spiritual advisors, or trusted mentors who can offer insights and support as you discern your calling.
3. Prioritize Relationships Over Material Possessions
Step 1: Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
– Focus on building and nurturing relationships with family, friends, and your faith community. Strong relationships bring joy and fulfillment beyond material wealth.
Step 2: Serve Others
– Find ways to serve others in your community. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and connection, reinforcing the value of relationships over possessions.
4. Align Your Career with Your Calling
Step 1: Evaluate Your Current Job
– Reflect on how your job aligns with your values and sense of purpose. If it doesn’t, consider exploring opportunities for change or realignment.
Step 2: Seek Purposeful Work
– Look for career opportunities that align with your passions and talents. Consider roles that allow you to make a positive impact on others.
Step 3: Integrate Faith into Your Work
– Strive to bring your faith into your workplace by acting with integrity, compassion, and excellence in all you do.
5. Simplify Your Life
Step 1: Declutter Material Possessions
– Evaluate your material possessions and let go of items that don’t add value to your life. Simplifying can help you focus on what truly matters.
Step 2: Practice Gratitude
– Regularly practice gratitude for what you have, rather than constantly striving for more. This mindset shift can lead to greater contentment and fulfillment.
Step 3: Focus on Experiences
– Prioritize experiences over material possessions. Spend time creating memories with loved ones and engaging in activities that bring joy and growth.
6. Live with Intention
Step 1: Set Purpose-Driven Goals
– Set goals that reflect your values and purpose. Break these goals into actionable steps and commit to them.
Step 2: Regularly Reflect and Adjust
– Periodically reflect on your progress and make adjustments as needed. Staying aligned with your purpose requires ongoing reflection and intentionality.
7. Trust in God’s Plan
Step 1: Embrace Uncertainty
– Trust that God has a plan for your life, even if it’s not always clear. Embrace uncertainty and have faith that His plan will lead to ultimate fulfillment.
Step 2: Seek Contentment in God
– Find contentment in your relationship with God, knowing that true fulfillment comes from living according to His purpose rather than chasing worldly success.
Conclusion to An Alternative Perspective to The Christian View of Success and Purpose
In this exploration of an alternative perspective to the Christian view of success and purpose, we have delved into the contrasting definitions and pursuits of success between modern society and a faith-based approach. While the American Dream emphasizes material wealth, status, and consumerism, the Christian view encourages us to seek fulfillment through purpose, meaningful relationships, and a divine calling.
We began by questioning the common societal blueprint of success, which often leads to a cycle of consumerism and unfulfillment. The pressure to accumulate wealth and status can overshadow the deeper values that bring true joy and contentment. Ultimately, this leads us down a path of disappointment and endless comparison.
We then discussed the concept of purpose over prosperity, emphasizing that a purpose-driven life brings deeper satisfaction than any amount of money or status. The proper view places a higher value on relationships, community and experiences reflecting Jesus’ teachings to love God and our neighbors.
Finally, we ended by highlighting a few practical ways we can to pursue purpose over the fallacies of the American Dream. By implementing these suggestions, we can choose to embrace purpose and calling over the lies that the American Dream hopelessly provides us.
Join Our Community!
Hopefully you’ve received some sort of value from this article about the proper Christian view on success and purpose!
Stay inspired and receive practical tips, stories and experiences about living adventurously in community with one another by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Ascent. Each week, you’ll get insights on freedom and adventure while being part of an authentic community. Join our community! Subscribe now and start your ascent towards a life of freedom and adventure.
About the Author
John Claborn
Hi! I’m John. Author of the post you just read. I like to write about all things adventure. Mostly things to help people live more adventurous lives and care for their families in a more meaningful way. By day, I’m a COO. By night, I’m a rad dad of 4 kids that I don’t deserve and a husband to a woman I can’t understand how I got. My goal is to show freedom to people through adventure and experiences.
