People often believe that success is getting what you want. However, wanting what you got after you get it should be more of an indicator of success. For example, if a guy invests all of his time, money, and effort, in winning the heart of a girl, only to realize after he gets her that she makes him miserable. He got what he wanted but he didn’t want what he got!
How many people have made it their chief aim of life to become rich only to realize after achieving this goal that it doesn't satisfy and often dissolves them into misery. They got what they wanted, but they didn't want what they got. We have all heard the saying "not everything that glitters is gold." Everything has a surface, but what is seen outwardly is not necessarily what's underneath. It pays to investigate and test things first, before investing in something that mesmerizes the sight but is hollowed out of its substance. The things of this world have an uncanny ability to create an impression to satisfy and deliver, and are powerful enough to persuade people of something they cannot perform.
Biblical examples are abundant. The prodigal son believed that dishonoring his father was worth the achievement of receiving one third of the inheritance before the appropriate time. His view of success was getting the money and doing what he wanted to do with it. Later, he realized he got what he wanted but didn’t want what he got.
Judas would be a prime example of this. He plotted, schemed, and risked it all, to fulfill his getting of the 30 pieces of silver. Judas thought personal success was in personal wealth only to fatefully realize that after he got what he wanted, he didn’t want what he got.
The drug addict was not always addicted. The person may have been introduced to a narcotic at a party and the desire to "fit in" and be a part of the crowd overwhelmed their judgment. Or, the pressures of life was stealing hope of a better tomorrow and decided the drug would alleviate the stress of adversity. However, the end result of this indulgence was less than glamorous. The suicidal tendencies, family break-ups, isolation, and the never ending enslavement to the drug has left them with one foot in a grave and one foot slipping down the slope of life. They got what they wanted, but they didn't want what they got.
The drug addict was not always addicted. The person may have been introduced to a narcotic at a party and the desire to "fit in" and be a part of the crowd overwhelmed their judgment. Or, the pressures of life was stealing hope of a better tomorrow and decided the drug would alleviate the stress of adversity. However, the end result of this indulgence was less than glamorous. The suicidal tendencies, family break-ups, isolation, and the never ending enslavement to the drug has left them with one foot in a grave and one foot slipping down the slope of life. They got what they wanted, but they didn't want what they got.
We must be careful in what we want. This is why it is so important for the Word of God to absorb into our hearts. We will then desire what he desires, want what he wants, do what he says to do. Happiness will become the perfume and fragrance of our obedience according to Jesus when he announced the Beatitudes. Obedience achieves the goals God has for us – that my friend is true success!
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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