In a world full of people driven by success: luxury cars, mansions for homes, lots of cash flow, it’s easy to lose sight of what success really is. God’s definition is quite the opposite, although those things are often attainable when His definition of success is apparent in someone’s life.

When you repent and accept Jesus into your heart, you take the first and most important step toward success. You no longer live condemned, you are set free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2) You will live for an eternity with Jesus, no matter what life may bring. The road to success is not always smooth, it has its bumps along the way. But when you get to where you are going (in heaven with Jesus), the bumps will have been well worth it!

Success is seeking God first. He is the only One we need in this life. Without things, and only with Him; you are successful! But we serve a good God and He adds things, and people, and experiences to enrich our success. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

By believing in yourself and trusting in God, you are successful. Believing in yourself begins with the thoughts you think and the words you speak. Trust what God says about you, and in the promises He makes. “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) He desires for you to believe and trust in Him so you can experience what everyone else thought to be impossible.

To obey God is to be successful. Obeying God’s commands should not be done to seek approval from God or to avoid death, it should be done because we love Him. “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8) God made us, He knows what is best for us, and He clearly states what is best for us in His commands. And that’s exactly what should be done if you want to become the very best you and live the very best life He has for you.

So let’s fall in love with our God and achieve success in our hearts, because that’s where it is found. The results of success that others can see is not success in itself, but repenting and accepting Jesus into your heart, seeking God first, believing in yourself and trusting in God, and obeying Him and His commands is success.

Ashley Fordinal is the Children’s Church volunteer at Family Life Church in Sulphur Springs, TX.