TODAY’S SUCCESS IS NOT ENOUGH

 

Christmas is a season of joy, gratitude, and reflection. As we gather to celebrate, it is essential to look back on the milestones we have achieved this year with thanksgiving. However, we must remember that milestones are not monuments. They are not places where we rest indefinitely. Instead, they serve as markers, reminding us that the journey continues. Rory Vaden wisely said, “Success is never owned; it’s rented, and the rent is due every day.” This means that today’s achievements, as remarkable as they may be, are not the end of the road. The question we must ask ourselves is, “What is next?”

 

The Bible provides profound insight into the importance of moving forward and not becoming complacent with past successes. In Luke 4:42-43, Jesus gives us a perfect example of this principle. After performing a series of miracles and healings, He had gained immense popularity. Crowds of people gathered around Him, amazed by His power and the incredible things He was doing. They wanted Him to stay with them, to remain in their town and continue His work there. It must have been tempting to stay. After all, He was welcomed and celebrated, and the people clearly appreciated His ministry.

However, Jesus did something remarkable. Instead of staying where He was already successful and comfortable, He told them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” Jesus understood His mission. He knew that His purpose was not limited to one town or one group of people. His vision was far greater. He had come to bring hope, healing, and salvation to the entire world, not just to the people in that town.

This decision wasn’t just about leaving behind comfort; it was about fulfilling a greater purpose. Jesus appreciated the impact He had made in that town, but He also knew that staying would limit the reach of His mission. His purpose demanded movement, growth, and a commitment to going beyond what He had already achieved. This is a powerful lesson for all of us: while gratitude for past successes is essential, we must always be ready to step into the next phase of our journey.

 

This principle can be seen in many aspects of life. Imagine a student who has just graduated from high school with excellent grades. It is natural to feel proud of such an achievement. Family and friends might celebrate and encourage the student to enjoy the moment. But what happens if the student decides to stop there? If they never pursue further education, career goals, or personal growth, their potential remains unrealized. The success of graduating high school is meaningful, but it is not the end of the road. Like Jesus, they must ask, “What is next?”

Another example is a small business owner. Let’s say someone starts a bakery in their community, and it becomes very popular. Customers love their bread and pastries, and the business grows steadily. Over time, they might feel tempted to relax, thinking, “I’ve done enough. My business is successful.” But what if that bakery owner has the ability to expand? What if they could open another branch in a neighboring town or even franchise their business? Staying in one place may feel comfortable, but it limits the full potential of their vision.

Even on a personal level, this principle applies. Consider a parent who has worked hard to build a happy and stable home for their children. Once their children are grown, they might feel like their purpose is fulfilled. But life doesn’t stop there. Perhaps now is the time to mentor younger parents, start a community project, or pursue a personal dream that was put on hold. Every phase of life presents new opportunities to grow, contribute, and fulfill a greater purpose.

 

The Danger of Complacency

One of the greatest threats to progress is complacency. Success can make us comfortable, tempting us to settle where we are. However, complacency is the enemy of growth. It turns achievements into monuments of stagnation. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates this vividly. The servant who buried his talent did not fail because he lost it but because he refused to invest it. Similarly, if we rest on today’s accomplishments, we risk missing the opportunities and responsibilities of tomorrow.

Consider the story of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president. Achieving independence for Ghana in 1957 was monumental. Yet, Nkrumah did not stop there. He envisioned a liberated Africa and worked tirelessly to support independence movements across the continent. His legacy reminds us that success is not an endpoint but a foundation for greater impact. Likewise, Oprah Winfrey’s journey is an example of continual growth. Despite her success as a talk show host, she ventured into education, publishing, and philanthropy, impacting millions globally. These stories challenge us to look beyond our current achievements and ask, “What more can I do?”

Gratitude as a Stepping Stone

Gratitude is one of the most powerful and transformative attitudes we can cultivate in our lives. It is an acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness, His provision, and His blessings. It allows us to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve traveled, recognizing that we did not arrive at this point by our strength alone. Gratitude connects us to God, grounds us in humility, and reminds us of the many people who have supported us along the way.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul emphasizes the importance of gratitude, writing, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This scripture reveals that gratitude is not dependent on whether our circumstances are favorable or not. Instead, it is a choice—a deliberate decision to focus on the goodness of God, even in the midst of challenges. Gratitude allows us to see His hand in both our victories and our trials.

However, while gratitude is essential, it should not make us complacent. There is a subtle danger in dwelling too long on our past successes. When we focus only on what we have achieved, we risk losing sight of what lies ahead. Gratitude, while celebratory, is not an endpoint. It is a stepping stone that propels us toward greater purpose and growth.

For example, consider a young entrepreneur who started a small business with limited resources. Over the course of the year, they faced numerous challenges—sleepless nights, financial pressures, and tough decisions. Yet, at the end of the year, they find themselves celebrating growth, loyal customers, and a sense of accomplishment. Gratitude allows them to pause and recognize the support of family, friends, and mentors who encouraged them along the way. It also reminds them that their success is not solely their own but a testament to God’s faithfulness.

Gratitude should not lead us to settle or rest on our laurels. Instead, it should propel us into action. Thanksgiving is not just about looking back; it is also about looking forward with renewed purpose. When we thank God for what He has done, we should also ask Him for guidance on what is next. What more can we accomplish with the resources, opportunities, and blessings He has given us?

For instance, a teacher who has successfully guided a class of students through the year might feel a sense of accomplishment and joy. Gratitude for the impact they’ve made is important, but it should also inspire them to ask, “How can I reach even more students? How can I improve my teaching methods to make an even greater difference?” Thanksgiving becomes a launching pad for innovation and growth.

This Christmas, as we reflect on the goodness of God, let us celebrate with thankful hearts. But let us also remember that gratitude is not an excuse to stop moving forward. Instead, let it inspire us to dream bigger, trust deeper, and step boldly into the future. Gratitude is the bridge between what has been and what will be. Let us walk across it with faith and anticipation, knowing that greater things lie ahead.

 

Daring to Dream Again

Moving forward requires vision and courage. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision gives us a sense of purpose and direction. It compels us to dream again, even after significant accomplishments. Dreaming again might mean expanding a successful business, deepening a ministry’s impact, or exploring new areas of personal growth. It takes faith to step into uncharted territory, but as Helen Keller said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

 

Practical Steps for the Next Phase

 

ü  Take time to assess your achievements and thank God for His blessings. Use this moment to recharge and seek clarity for the future.

ü  Write down specific, actionable goals for the next year. Ensure these align with your God-given purpose and values.

ü  Identify areas where you need to grow, whether in skills, relationships, or spiritual maturity. Invest in yourself and others.

ü  Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Share your vision and draw strength from a supportive community.

 

 

As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, let us also embrace the birth of new dreams and horizons in our lives. Jesus’ mission did not end with His miracles in one town; He continually pressed forward to fulfill His purpose. Similarly, our journey does not end with today’s success. There are “next towns” waiting for us—new challenges to overcome, lives to impact, and purposes to fulfill.

Today’s success is not enough. Let us dream bigger, plan better, and move forward with faith and determination. The best is yet to come. What’s next for you?

 

Samuel  Elijah Boateng

sam.boateng600@gmail.com  

+ 233 593876208

John C. Maxwell Leadership