How to Measure Success in Our Lives
Tim Tebow, former NFL quarterback, current TV sports analyst and sought-after speaker, had this to say about success: “TRUE SUCCESS is not measured in physical possessions, but in the amount of lives that you change.”
Okay, I admit it. I like Tim Tebow! My daughter says I have a man crush on him. Funny, but not what I’m feelin’. I admire the man not for the outside appearance or even his athletic achievements, but for what is on the inside of him. His character! He has been brave, honest and courageous in his stand for Jesus. And he has been kind to those who have mistreated him. But more than that, Tim Tebow has made a difference for others with his life.
Here is what the Bible says in Matthew 6:19-21: 19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. 20 Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves. 21 If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too.” (TLB)
This means we should do things that really count in this life, and those are the things that help others. We show God’s compassion by giving, serving and helping those in need. When we do this, people are encouraged and their lives are changed for the better. And when we do good deeds for others in some way, God tells us we are laying up treasures in heaven.
Look at Tebow’s actions and see why I appreciate his example as a brother in Christ:
Tim Tebow grew up the son of missionaries, and even after moving to Florida as a child, he returned to the Philippines as a teenager–to spread God’s word, and do the Lord’s work, by serving the needy. He carried that calling with him to the University of Florida, where in addition to leading the Gators to two national championships, and winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007, he also devoted himself to charity–raising money for pediatric cancer patients and disadvantaged children.
In 2010, his vision took shape in the Tim Tebow Foundation. The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation fulfills this mission every day by making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses, building Timmy’s Playrooms in children’s hospitals, providing life-changing surgeries to children of the Philippines through the Tebow CURE Hospital, sponsoring Night to Shine, a nationwide prom for people with special needs, providing care for orphans in four countries and adoption aid grants for families who choose to adopt an international child with special needs.
The dude is practicing what he preaches. He is changing lives and, as a result, he is “laying up treasures in heaven.” I do think that is the definition of success.
A great question for all of us is: How many lives are we changing? It would be a fantastic goal if we each decided that we were going to look for ways to give to the poor, help those in need, serve those who could use a hand up in life and love people with the love of God.
Matthew 5:15: “Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.” (TLB)
Grace and Truth,
Pastor Stan