The Pursuit of Success: Finding True Fulfillment Beyond Worldly Achievement
We often define “success” through various achievements and possessions: excelling in sports, creating the perfect family, owning a beautiful home, traveling extensively, earning degrees, receiving recognition, accumulating wealth, driving nice cars, or having prestigious jobs. Throughout different life stages, our definition of “success” shifts from acquiring and building in our younger years to preserving what we’ve gained in middle age until finally we ask ourselves: “Did it really matter? Did I make a difference?”
The Lie Behind the Idol of Success
The fundamental lie we believe is simple: “If I succeed, then I will be fulfilled. If I accomplish something great, then my life will matter.” This is an idol many of us chase daily, constantly pursuing what the world defines as success.
But the truth stands in stark contrast: you are loved and known by God. The Creator of the universe knows your name, and you matter to Him.
Yet we continue pursuing more, the next promotion, the biggest raise, the newest car, and the desire never truly stops. Sometimes it’s not even about being successful as much as appearing successful to others. We want to be seen as someone who matters, who has accomplished something significant.
What Does the Tower of Babel Teach Us About Success?
Genesis 11 tells the fascinating story of the Tower of Babel. People had discovered a new technology, bricks, which allowed them to build with unprecedented stability. But instead of using this invention for its intended purpose, they hijacked it:
“Come, let us build ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that we can make a name for ourselves.”
The brick itself wasn’t good or bad, it was simply a tool. In the hands of a wise builder, it could create something beautiful. But the people took this gift and made it about themselves.
Is God’s Intervention Punishment or Protection?
When God confused their language and scattered them, it might appear as divine punishment. But what if this story reveals God’s mercy rather than His wrath? What if God was protecting people from themselves?
We all have the ability to make idols out of anything, to take good things and use them for selfish purposes. The people weren’t building to bless others or create shelter for those without homes. They were building for their own renown, so others would notice and envy them.
How Does God Respond to Our Pursuit of Success?
After Babel, God calls Abram with a striking contrast:
“Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and I will make your name great.”
At Babel, people wanted to make their own name great. With Abram, God promises to make his name great. The difference is profound – Abram didn’t have to earn it or work for it. God would give him a new identity, a place to belong.
God blessed Abram not so he could hoard blessings, but so he could be a blessing to others. The gifts themselves aren’t bad. Like bricks, Gifts are just things. The question is how we use them: to bless others or to make a name for ourselves?
What Does Jesus Teach Us About True Success?
1 Peter 2 describes Jesus as “the living stone, rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him.” We too are “living stones being built into a spiritual house.”
The cornerstone was crucial in ancient building – it set the direction for the entire structure. If the cornerstone was properly aligned, every other brick could follow in place, creating a strong foundation.
Those who reject this cornerstone “stumble because they disobey the message.” They become so consumed with themselves and making their own name that they lose sight of God’s purpose for their lives.
But for believers, Peter declares: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
What Tower Are You Building That Needs to Fall?
As children, we constantly sought validation: “Dad, look at me!” Though we think we outgrow this, we simply change who we’re seeking approval from – our boss, neighbors, coach, spouse. Deep down, we still want to be seen and known.
The beautiful truth of the gospel is that you already are seen and known by a God who loves you, calls you by name, counts the hairs on your head, and is madly in love with you.
The lie says: “If I acquire this, if I gain this, if I earn this, then I will be enough. Then I will be worthy.”
The truth is: You are already known and loved by God.
Life Application
This week, take time to examine what you’re truly chasing. What are you placing your identity in? What are you looking to for value and worth? Most importantly, what tower are you building that needs to fall?
Consider these questions:
- In what areas of my life am I trying to “make a name for myself” rather than glorifying God?
- How might God be mercifully redirecting me from pursuits that ultimately won’t fulfill me?
- What gifts has God given me that I could use to bless others rather than elevate myself?
- How would my priorities change if I truly believed I am already fully known and loved by God?
The path to true fulfillment isn’t found in what we achieve or acquire, but in surrendering our pursuit of worldly success and embracing our identity as God’s beloved children. When we lay our idols at His feet, we discover that we already have everything we’ve been searching for all along.