Getting What You Want?

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! 

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. 

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!