You could sign a major record deal, make a lot of money, and be famous all over the world and still not be a success in God’s eyes. On the other hand, you may never know success as an artist and still be successful as a person. That’s because God looks inside. He’s not impressed with outward appearance; He looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). So be careful how you measure success.
Recently I was talking with a friend who was sharing a disappointment over the fact that he’s never been able to make a living doing music. He always dreamed about being a professional musician but had to settle instead for a job in the computer field. We talked about some struggles he’s going through, and I mainly asked questions and just listened. At the end of our conversation my friend said something that I think must have pleased God. He said, "You know, when I really think about it, I guess I have every reason to be content. I have a good job, a great wife, a wonderful family, a thriving small group, and I get to play my horn regularly at church." What my friend is too humble to say, but what I can say for him, is that he is a success in God’s eyes even though he never made it in music. He walks with Christ and is trying to grow in his relationship with Him. God is using him powerfully at church as he plays and leads a small group, and I was thrilled to hear that he derives a great deal of contentment from being involved in our music ministry.
Character is more important to God than worldly success. You will derive more contentment from being the person God wants you to be than from being successful in the eyes of the world. Don’t harbor a negative or critical spirit. Let the Lord work in your heart and teach you to manage you emotions in a healthy way. Remember, the Bible says it’s easier to capture a city than to rule your emotions
Excerpt, page 234-235 from Heart of the Artist www.heartoftheartist.org
