Let us think about the difference between success and achievement. When we ask what success means for those who believe in Christ, perhaps the word achievement is more appropriate.
The word success is often used in the business world. It usually refers to reaching goals, gaining recognition, or accomplishing visible results. However, achievement has a deeper meaning for believers. It means faithfully completing the work and ministry entrusted to us by the Lord and finally hearing His words: “Well done.”
Our Lord Jesus Himself expressed this idea when He said, “It is finished.” We rarely describe Jesus as “successful” in the worldly sense. Rather, we say that He completed the mission entrusted to Him by the Father.
But is completing our given task easy? In reality, true achievement often requires giving everything we have. Sometimes it may even mean giving our lives. If we still have much strength left at the end, perhaps there is still something unfinished. There is a natural desire within every person to accomplish at least one meaningful thing in life. It is a beautiful hope to leave this world knowing that we have faithfully completed the mission given to us by God. Sadly, many people leave without experiencing that fulfillment.
Therefore, rather than pursuing success, I believe we should focus on fulfilling our mission. It is wiser to put our whole heart and soul into the work God has entrusted to us. As Pastor Melvin has often emphasized, the important thing is not simply trying to become complete or perfect, but moving in the right direction. The greater priority is not worldly success but faithfully completing the task God has given.
Instead of seeking a “successful life,” I believe it is better to seek a finished life—a life that has completed its calling. After all, most people experience more failures than successes. Only a few people can be called successful according to worldly standards. However, even if we do not achieve complete success, if we faithfully accomplish the one area of ministry entrusted to us, that itself is a meaningful achievement.
For this reason, I believe the word achievement is more suitable than success for Christians.
The mission given by the Lord has two important dimensions: the mission of the pastor and the mission of the layperson. Pastors certainly have their own calling, but the mission of laypeople is also a key issue in today’s church.
I strongly believe that God has given ministry responsibilities to laypeople. Are laypeople only helpers who support pastors in completing their mission? No. While laypeople help pastors, they also have their own calling and ministry given by God. When laypeople fulfill that ministry, they should experience meaning, purpose, and reward.
As many pastoral theologians have expressed, when a person believes in Christ, two gifts are given at the same time: salvation and ministry.
Salvation is the gift of becoming God’s child. Ministry is the privilege of participating in God’s work. Every believer is not only saved from sin but also called to serve.
Therefore, the ultimate question is not, “Did I succeed?” but rather, “Did I faithfully complete the mission God entrusted to me?”
At the end of our journey, may we all be able to hear the words of our Lord:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”