Talking to a friend today, I mentioned Jim Cymbala’s book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. In his book, Cymbala describes a transformation that occurred in his church as the result of a simple declaration:
“Early in the [prayer] service I said, ‘Brothers and sisters, I really feel that I’ve heard from God about the future of our church. While I was away, I was calling out to God to help us—to help me—understand what he wants most from us. And I believe I’ve heard an answer.
“‘It’s not fancy or profound or spectacular. But I want to say to you today with all the seriousness I can muster: From this day on, the prayer meeting will be the barometer of our church. What happens on Tuesday night will be the gauge but which we will judge success or failure…’”
I related that story to my friend and then we talked about what it might mean for a person (not a church) to adopt the same standard. I began to realize something about myself in that moment.
My whole life, my measure of spiritual success has been based on things that, strictly speaking, are not spiritual: others’ perceptions of my maturity, my position, my “calling”, my sense of satisfaction. Even my success in defeating sin or my vigor in keeping all the right rules are not necessarily spiritual exercises. But never, not once in my life have I even considered adopting Cymbala’s simple standard to my personal life. Not even when I first read his book and argued vehemently that my church should adopt his standard as a congregation.
What is your prayer life like? What if this one question were your barometer for success in life? The ramifications are astounding. (I realize, of course, that if you’re not a disciple I’m probably going to lose you here. That is, if I haven’t already lost you…)
First, success is well within your grasp. You can pray. You don’t have to pray “well” or pray long, just pray and pray in earnest.
Second, success may not have any outward sign. So it no longer matters what others think.
Third, you can fail at a great many other things (your career, your life goals, your marriage, your sin struggles) and still be a success. (Note for the cynical: that’s not license to fail at all those other things, just hope for those who have.)
Fourth, success can look completely different for you. Your prayer life doesn’t have to match anyone else’s.
And finally, fifth, relationship with God becomes the focus of your spiritual journey. Just him. Nothing else.
So, from this day forward, my personal barometer of success will be my prayer life. No matter what else is happening, no matter how wonderful or miserable the rest of my life is, the gauge by which I will measure myself is my prayer life. If this is good (as defined by real and consistent), then I am a success. If this is bad (meaning half-hearted and impersonal), then I am a failure. Regardless of whatever else is happening in my life.
May God grant me the grace to be a success.
