True Success: Living for God's Glory and Purpose
Summary
True success in life is not measured by the world’s standards—wealth, status, or achievements—but by God’s standards as revealed in His Word. The foundation for true success begins with cultivating a heavenward perspective, setting our minds and motivations on things above rather than being consumed by earthly pursuits. This means actively seeking God’s priorities in every area of life—our studies, work, family, and even our daily decisions. When our perspective is shaped by Christ, we find our identity and security in Him, knowing that our lives are hidden with Christ in God, both protected and purposed for eternity.
However, to maintain this upward focus, we must also be willing to get rid of the sinful baggage that weighs us down. Just as a hot air balloon cannot rise without shedding unnecessary weight, we cannot soar spiritually if we cling to old patterns of sin—whether in our actions, our speech, or our hearts. The process of sanctification is ongoing, requiring us to continually put to death the old self and put on the new, running from sin rather than after it. This is not about perfection, but about direction—pursuing Christlikeness and leaving behind what hinders us.
With these foundations in place, five markers of true success emerge. First, maintaining a Christ-like character—marked by compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and especially forgiveness—sets us apart in a world that values self-promotion and retaliation. Second, letting the peace of God rule in our hearts allows us to live free from anxiety, trusting God’s control over every circumstance. Third, cultivating a thankful attitude guards us from bitterness and comparison, helping us recognize God’s grace in every blessing. Fourth, relying on God and obeying His Word is essential; true wisdom and success come from living out Scripture, not just knowing it. Finally, living with purpose for God’s glory means that everything we do—no matter how mundane—is done as an act of worship, seeking His approval above all.
Ultimately, God’s assessment is the only one that matters. At the end of our lives, He will not measure our success by our possessions or accolades, but by our faithfulness to His calling and our pursuit of His glory. True success is found in living for Christ, being transformed by Him, and hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Key Takeaways
- Cultivate a Heavenward Perspective
Setting your mind on things above transforms both your motivations and your outlook. When Christ is your life, your priorities shift from temporary achievements to eternal significance. This perspective brings hope and resilience, especially when life’s circumstances are discouraging or confusing. Fixing your eyes on Jesus brings rest and clarity that the world cannot offer. [06:46]
- Get Rid of Sinful Baggage
Spiritual growth requires an honest reckoning with the sins that weigh us down—whether in our actions, words, or thoughts. The process of sanctification is not about achieving perfection, but about continually turning from sin and embracing the new life Christ offers. True freedom and joy are found not in indulging old habits, but in letting go so we can experience deeper intimacy with Christ. The journey from running after sin to running from it is a mark of genuine transformation. [17:00]
- Maintain a Christ-like Character
Success in God’s eyes is measured by the development of Christ-like qualities—compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness. These virtues are often overlooked by the world, but they are the currency of heaven. Forgiveness, in particular, is a powerful marker; those who forgive reflect the heart of Christ and are freed from the bitterness that destroys relationships. Character, not accomplishment, is what endures and what God rewards. [19:32]
- Let God’s Peace Rule and Be Thankful
Peace is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God’s assurance in the midst of them. When you surrender control and trust God with your life, you can rest even when circumstances are uncertain. A thankful heart is a safeguard against envy and discontent, reminding you of God’s grace and provision. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance you have in Christ. [27:10]
- Live with Purpose for God’s Glory
Every task, no matter how small, can be an act of worship when done for God’s glory. Faithfulness in the ordinary is as significant as faithfulness in the extraordinary, because God sees and values the heart behind every action. The ultimate measure of your life is not what you have accomplished for yourself, but what you have done for Christ. Living with this purpose brings meaning, satisfaction, and the hope of eternal reward. [36:25]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - The World’s Checklist vs. God’s Standard
[02:05] - Seeking and Setting Your Mind on Things Above
[03:40] - The Power of a Heavenward Perspective
[05:42] - Christ as Our Life and Source of Purpose
[06:46] - The Dangers of Earthly Focus
[08:09] - The Cost of Looking Down
[09:24] - Shedding Sinful Baggage
[10:29] - The Weight of Sexual and Speech Sins
[11:35] - Consequences of Sin for Believers
[17:00] - The Joy of Letting Go and Embracing Christ
[18:25] - Five Markers of True Success
[19:32] - Maintaining a Christ-like Character
[21:15] - Letting God’s Peace Rule
[27:10] - Cultivating Thankfulness
[32:25] - Relying on God and His Word
[36:25] - Living with Purpose for God’s Glory
[37:21] - The Story of Dan McKay: Faithfulness in the Ordinary
[41:24] - Final Encouragement and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: True Success in God’s Eyes
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### Bible Reading
Colossians 3:1-17
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 3:1-4, what does Paul say should be the focus of a believer’s mind and motivation? How does he describe our life in Christ? [02:05]
2. In verses 5-11, what specific types of “sinful baggage” does Paul instruct believers to get rid of? Why does he use such strong language? [10:29]
3. What are the Christ-like qualities Paul lists in verses 12-14 that believers are called to “put on”? Which one does the sermon highlight as especially important? [19:32]
4. In Colossians 3:15-17, what attitudes and actions does Paul say should characterize the life of someone who is truly successful in God’s eyes? [27:10]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul connect a “heavenward perspective” with our identity and security in Christ? How does this perspective change the way we view our daily lives? [05:42]
2. The sermon compares getting rid of sin to a hot air balloon shedding weight. What does this analogy teach about the process and difficulty of sanctification? [09:24]
3. Why is forgiveness highlighted as a key marker of true success? How does forgiving others reflect the heart of Christ, and what does it free us from? [19:32]
4. The sermon says that “true success is not about perfection, but about direction.” What does this mean in the context of pursuing Christlikeness? [18:25]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to “set our minds on things above.” What is one area of your life (work, family, studies, etc.) where you tend to focus more on earthly achievements than on God’s priorities? What would it look like to shift your perspective in that area this week? [06:46]
2. Is there a “sinful baggage” or old habit that is weighing you down spiritually right now? What practical step can you take this week to begin letting go of it? Who could you ask to pray for you or keep you accountable? [17:00]
3. Of the Christ-like qualities listed (compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness), which one do you find most challenging to live out? Can you think of a recent situation where you struggled with this? What could you do differently next time? [19:32]
4. The sermon says, “Peace is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God’s assurance.” What is one worry or anxiety you need to surrender to God’s control? How can you remind yourself to let God’s peace rule in your heart this week? [21:15]
5. Gratitude is described as a safeguard against bitterness and comparison. When was the last time you found yourself comparing your life to someone else’s? What is one thing you can thank God for today that you might normally overlook? [27:10]
6. The story of Dan McKay shows that even ordinary work can be done for God’s glory. What is one “mundane” task in your week that you could intentionally do as an act of worship? How might this change your attitude toward it? [39:28]
7. At the end of your life, what do you hope God will say about how you lived? Are there any changes you feel prompted to make now so that your life is measured by faithfulness to God’s calling rather than by the world’s standards? [36:25]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see success through His eyes, to give you strength to let go of what holds you back, and to fill you with Christ-like character, peace, and gratitude as you live for His glory.
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivate a Heavenward Perspective
To truly succeed in life, one must intentionally set their mind and heart on things above, not on earthly distractions. This means seeking after what is eternal, letting the hope and reality of Christ shape your motivations, decisions, and daily actions. When you focus on Christ and His promises, you find rest and encouragement, even when the world feels overwhelming or unfair. Looking up to Jesus brings clarity, hope, and a sense of purpose that cannot be found by chasing after temporary things. Let your perspective be shaped by the reality that your life is hidden with Christ, secure and safe in Him, and that your ultimate hope is in sharing His glory. [06:46]
Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you tend to focus on earthly concerns or anxieties? How can you intentionally shift your perspective to seek and set your mind on things above today?
Day 2: Get Rid of Sinful Living
Holding on to sinful habits and attitudes weighs down your spiritual life, much like ballast keeps a hot air balloon from rising. True success requires a willingness to put to death the old ways—whether they are actions, words, or thoughts—that keep you from experiencing the fullness of life in Christ. This is not just about avoiding consequences, but about embracing the joy and freedom that comes from living as a new creation, set apart for God. As you let go of the baggage of sin, you make room for deeper intimacy with Christ and greater spiritual growth, running away from sin rather than after it. [17:00]
Colossians 3:5-11 (ESV)
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Reflection: What is one sinful habit or attitude you need to let go of today so you can experience more of Christ’s joy and freedom?
Day 3: Maintain a Christ-like Character
Success in God’s eyes is measured not by worldly achievements, but by the cultivation of Christ-like qualities such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. These are the traits that truly matter for eternity and are the foundation for meaningful relationships and a life that honors God. Forgiving others, even when it is difficult, reflects the forgiveness you have received in Christ and frees you from bitterness. As you strive to develop these qualities, you become a person of integrity and love, leaving a legacy that far outlasts material accomplishments. [19:32]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Reflection: Who is someone you need to show compassion or forgiveness to this week, and what practical step can you take to reflect Christ’s character toward them?
Day 4: Rely on God and Obey His Word
Letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly means more than just knowing Scripture—it means living it out daily, allowing God’s wisdom to guide your choices and actions. True success comes from depending on God, applying His Word, and trusting that His ways lead to blessing and purpose. When you rely on your own strength, you may gain the world but lose your soul; when you obey God, you find lasting fulfillment and avoid many pitfalls. Make it your aim to be a lifelong learner of God’s Word, seeking to apply it with a humble and teachable heart. [33:24]
Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Reflection: What is one specific truth or command from God’s Word that you can put into practice today, and how will you remind yourself to live it out?
Day 5: Live with Purpose for God’s Glory
The ultimate measure of your life’s success is not found in wealth, status, or accolades, but in whether you have lived for God’s glory and fulfilled His unique purpose for you. Every task, no matter how small, can be done as an act of worship and testimony to God’s goodness. Faithfulness in the ordinary and the extraordinary alike is what God values, and it is His assessment that matters most. Choose today to dedicate your work, relationships, and ambitions to God, seeking to honor Him above all else and to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” [41:24]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift your motivation from self-promotion or comfort to living for God’s glory, and what would that change look like in your daily actions?
Quotes
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