Success is Not a Name
“Success is not a name for God” Martin Buber as quoted to me by Mark Yaconelli. I just happen to be reading his book Growing Souls as I was writing about all the success in a couple of previous posts. He has a lot to say that resonates with how I feel about success.
“We seek tangible, verifiable results”
“We search for books, practices, techniques, and strategies that will bring success”
“We, too, lack the courage it takes to wait in patience and trust – uncertain if our ministries will bear long-lasting fruits.”
“We are too compelled to attend a program instead of the often silent and unseen God who waits to bloom within our relationships with young people.”
He reminds me through his writing that I often hide behind programs that look cool and will make them feel good. It also reminds me of a saying I’m not sure who to credit with that says, “programs happen when practices don’t.”
Programs are necessary sometimes, but I would much rather practices happen and let that be the measure, if needed, for success. I would rather look around and see what people are doing to have a relationship with Jesus than to have events where lots of people show up in body.
But really… I would just rather forget that nasty word – success. I’m not sure it’s a word that I would call real or true. What is it? Who am I to judge it? Who am I t make it happen? All of these questions are better left to someone other than me.
In American churchianity, this word often means that we have attained our goals. Good for us. I would much rather qualify results like God – It was good.
