Helping Your Loved One Succeed

Helping Your Loved One Succeed

Oh, the joys of those who . . . delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Psalm 1:1-3

WHAT IS SUCCESS? Ask a dozen people, and you may get a dozen different answers. A friend of mine said, “Success is making the most of who you are with what you’ve got.” I like that definition. Every person has the potential to make a positive impact on the world.

Psalm 1 compares a successful person to a tree—planted by the riverbank, stable and with deep roots, healthy, flourishing, and fruitful. When we are deeply rooted in God, he can use us and we can make a significant difference in the world. It all depends on what we do with what we have. Success is not measured by the amount of money we possess or the position we attain, but by how we use our resources and our opportunities. Position and money can be used to help others, or they can be squandered or abused. The truly successful people are those who help others succeed.

The same is true in marriage. A successful wife is one who expends her time and energy helping her husband reach his potential for God and for doing good in the world. Likewise, a successful husband is one who helps his wife do the same. If you help your spouse succeed, you end up living with a winner—and someone who feels fulfilled and purposeful. Not a bad life.

Heavenly Father, I want to be well-rooted in you and able to have a positive impact on those around me. I want that for my spouse, too. Please help me to make it my goal to help him or her succeed in making the most of his or her abilities.

Success