Have you ever stopped and asked yourself how you would define success? In other words, what do you think it takes to make a person successful? If you’re like most people, you probably think of success in terms of money, or maybe power or public approval.

But are these the real measure of a successful person? Not really. Think of Jesus for a moment. Would you call Him a “success”? I doubt it–not if you define success only in terms of wealth or power or popularity. On one occasion He said, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). The people of His day rejected Him, and the authorities executed Him as a common criminal. After His death, He was laid in a borrowed tomb.

And yet no individual has made a greater impact for good on the world. The reason is because Jesus was committed to something far more important than money or power or prestige. He knew the most important thing in life was following God’s will.

Make it your goal to seek God’s will, and then to do it–for that is true success. Begin by committing your life to Jesus Christ, asking Him to forgive your sins and take control of your life. Then ask Him to guide you as you make decisions about your future. Jesus’ command is for you: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).