As we huddled yesterday talking about a confusing story, the question we kept coming back to was a simple yet difficult one. What was the tag line? What was an apparent idiot rewarded? How could someone who repeatedly lacked confidence and failed to take direct order, successful in the greater scheme of things?
The question is one that often causes me to pause in wonder. Why do bad people win (at least in the short term)? Is life unfair? Are our actions relevant in the greater scheme of what matters? What is the link, if any, between results and a more universal measure of success?
The questions challenged me in more ways than I was comfortable. What if my understanding of success was different from how God defines success? As we began to examine success in the context of the story, a different viewpoint emerged. What if success was measured by your passion (belief) and your willingness to act? How would this change the score?
The simple answer is that this definition defines and introduces a different game. If one’s passion and willingness to act is what is critical, then anyone has a chance to win. Nobody is automatically ranked higher than the other because of what s/he has done. Success is seen in a relative measure. What matters is passionate action.
I found myself staring at an old writer’s notes where success is redefined. “How bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening.” (1 John 5.14)
I woke this morning to a silent dawn. Despite a short night of sleep, I was captured by the intensities of the deep orange and blue colors on the horizon. The intensity grew in the horizon and within me. I know I passionately believe. I know I am willing to put my beliefs into action. Today is about the birth of this belief. If it seems unique, it is. In each moment, we have the freedom to choose. Our beliefs will be revealed in the actions we take.
