Recently I left my marketplace job to pursue the passion God has placed on my heart. My COO asked me what I learned about myself while working. I learned is my value and success was not tied to what I did or how the world defined my achievements.
You see, at the beginning of my marketplace working career, I was told I held no value to organizations because I didn’t have a degree or professional certifications. They didn’t value the knowledge and experience I brought to the table, only what kind of degree or certifications I had. With each rejection, I began to believe what I value I did have wasn’t valuable at all. I would not be considered a success unless I aligned myself with their requirements.
So I worked hard and got the degrees and certifications in record time. I went above and beyond to attain the value and be successful in the eyes of the marketplace. They were thrilled and impressed by my accomplishments. I worked in environments that upheld respect and the appearance of success.
But do you want to know a secret? I was miserable. I felt like an imposter, a phony. Because the truth is I was seeking my value, my benchmark of success in the wrong places. I needed to stop looking to the marketplace or the opinions of others to give me value. Jesus had already given me my true worth. God already put His purpose in my heart that would bring my life significance, I just wasn’t recognizing it.
I had to remember what Paul was teaching to the Colossians Church, where he said, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 NLT
My response to my COO was not what he expected, but he recognized the truth of my words. I was grateful to the marketplace because it taught me so much. But the biggest lesson I learned will keep me grounded in who I am, my purpose, and who I ultimately work for… my Lord.
Take a moment today to ask yourself where you are seeking your value. Are you chasing success in the eyes of the world, or are you living out the purpose God has placed in your heart? Surrender the need for worldly approval and allow Christ to define your worth. Trust that He has already given you everything you need to live a life of true significance.
1 thought on “I Choose Today to Live Beyond Success”
I am so thankful that you have found your place in Christ! You have grown so much in your faith and your desire to serve the Lord. I know that God will continue to use you in the ministry He has called you to.