True Success

We all strive to succeed at something, but one of the lessons I am learning here in Christian Science is what success really is.

There is a statement in Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy that reads, “Let it be understood that success in error is defeat in Truth.” When I came to Plainfield I was very ambitious and wanted very much to succeed. I had a very high-paying job in New York City that demanded a lot of time. The success that it offered was all very human. It fit the world’s definition of success, but it was a very unsatisfying situation for me. I always felt torn between working more, and doing things for God, for the church, and for my family. It was something that bothered me for a long time.

I finally opened up to a practitioner at this church and told him about my feeling constrained. He listened patiently and then responded with, “Where is God in all of this? Who are you blessing doing all this work, all this activity, all this stuff?” A light bulb went on inside my head and I began to realize success is not anything like what the world tells you it is. It is not about more things or more admiration of others. Real success is pleasing and obeying God! It is that simple, and yet when I began to realize this, it made a huge difference in my life.

Shortly after, I left that job and found one much more satisfying, much more beloved, and I felt much happier. I felt like I had been freed from a very destructive, self-centered belief of success. I also learned not to compartmentalize life. Working for God and glorifying Him is a full-time occupation — not something to be turned on and off at will. Wherever I am, I can express God and bless others.

My family and I have never lacked anything, because God takes good care of us, as He cares for all of us. I am grateful for the help of that practitioner many years ago who gave me an inkling of what true success is.