The Addiction of Success
The false philosophy of pragmatism states “If it works, it must be right.” This philosophy rewards success above all other things. People like success because it makes them feel good about themselves. It makes them feel like they have accomplished something. This feeling, however, is at the root of works-based salvation, and it is contradictory to the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace. “Success” is not the standard for right and wrong, nor will it lead us to salvation, for what is “successful” in the eyes of men is not as far as God is concerned.
Success is not the standard for right and wrong.
Jesus said this, “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10). This may be a hard teaching to accept for someone who is trying to work his way to heaven, but it is liberating for those who believe and love the truth. In other words, Christians who are faithful to the Lord need not seek to conform to the worlds’ standards of success. One may be a faithful Christian without having made one significant worldly accomplishment. One need not make a million dollars before he is thirty years old. One need not travel across the globe to become famous. One need not be educated by the world’s standards. We are free from such carnal expectations!
Success is addictive. Once you get a taste, you want more, and it will suck away your life until it is gone. Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth . . . But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).