Defining Success for Your Child

Like most parents, I parent with a goal – I want my child to be “successful”. More than likely, you do the same. What I failed to consider is that “success” can be measured by two totally different standards.

Raising kids in our culture highlights the problem. We are bombarded by messages from the world’s perspective and it’s hard not to get caught up in worshiping the creation instead of the Creator.
In the world’s eyes, success revolves around finding a good job, advancing in a career, finding an attractive spouse, having good-looking kids, and being recognized for achievement.

Unfortunately, though, most people define a “good” job as one that pays a lot of money. Career development involves an increase in power and authority. An attractive spouse and kids means a substantial investment in clothes, makeup, health clubs, and for some, even surgery. And, recognition becomes a search for fame.

When you boil it down, the world defines success by money, power, beauty, and fame!
God’s definition of success is so much different. Success in God’s eyes is defined in Matthew 20:26-28: “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”

There’s a huge difference between the world’s definition of success and God’s. Tim Kimmel sums it up well when he defines “true greatness” as a passionate love for God that demonstrates itself in an unquenchable love and concern for others.

In the end, we need to trust God for the plan He has for our kids. God’s perspective is so much greater than ours… and He has little concern for the things the world cherishes.