Success vs Good Success
Jerry Adesewo
Last week, I was taking Sunday School Class with our youth members. We explored the topic “Personal Effectiveness in Ministry”, a subject that stirred deep questions and profound insights about how our personal affect or enhance evangelism. Then, from nowhere, one young person asked the question. A question that has stuck with me ever since: “Sir, what exactly is good success?”
READ ALSO: Prioritising God’s Interest
It was a timely question, not just for our youth but for our society at large, where the line between achievement and integrity continues to blur. So, I knew right then, that, while I might not find enough time to address the issue with them because we were constrained by time, I have found a topic for this week’s edition of From the Pulpit.
In today’s world, success is celebrated and pursued with such intensity that the “how” often becomes irrelevant. What matters, it seems, is having results, whether by cutting corners, cheating, or compromising. But is all success truly success? Does every accomplishment deserve celebration? Or is there a higher standard—a godly benchmark—for measuring success?
What is Success?
Success, by general definition, is the accomplishment of a goal or purpose. It could be graduating from university, securing a high-paying job, winning an election, building a business empire, or gaining fame and wealth. In itself, success is not evil. In fact, it can be a mark of diligence, discipline, and determination.
For instance, Joseph in Egypt rose to become Prime Minister, an undeniable success story. David became king over all Israel. Esther rose from obscurity to royalty. These are clear biblical examples of individuals who achieved notable success.
But then comes a deeper question—what kind of success is it? Is it success that aligns with God’s values? Was it achieved without violating truth, justice, and righteousness? This is where the idea of good success comes in.
Defining Good Success
The Bible makes a distinction, and nowhere is it clearer than in Joshua 1:8:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night… for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Here, God did not merely promise Joshua success, but good success. This means it is possible to succeed in life, yet not in alignment with God’s purpose. Good success, therefore, is success that:
- Is built on truth and righteousness;
- Does not violate God’s commandments;
- Uplifts others, not exploit them;
- Leaves no regret in the soul;
- And above all, earns God’s approval.
A student who passes exams by cheating may achieve success, but not good success. A politician who gains power through bribery or electoral fraud may be successful in the world’s eyes, but that is not good success. A businessman who builds wealth through fraud, deceit, or exploitation cannot claim good success. A Pastor who cheated his or her way through Pastoral College, is not good success.
Good success is success without compromise. It is success with peace of mind. It is success wrapped in truth, fuelled by diligence, and crowned with divine approval.
A Society Obsessed with “Results”
Ours is a generation obsessed with results, where “Make it happen by any means necessary” has become the mantra in politics, business, education, even in ministry. Young people are growing up in a culture where the end justifies the means. “Just blow!” they are told. It doesn’t matter how.
This is dangerous.
When we glorify success without examining the process, we breed a generation that idolises outcome over integrity. We excuse corruption because “he built roads.” We overlook fraud because “he gives to charity.” We ignore immorality because “she is trending.”
But Scripture reminds us: “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel” (Proverbs 20:17). This is the tragedy of success gained outside of God’s principles. It may shine for a moment—but it ends in sorrow.
A Word to Believers
To every believer reading this, let me say clearly: not all open doors are divine, and not all success is good. Do not be so desperate to succeed that you lose your soul in the process. Do not trade your testimony for temporary applause.
In Matthew 4, the devil offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world, saying, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” It was a shortcut to success, but it came with a price. Jesus refused. So must you.
The spirit of truth must guide our pursuits. As Christians, we must seek good success, not just in ministry, but in marriage, career, business, and education. That means:
- Refusing to cheat to pass an exam;
- Refusing to falsify records for a job;
- Refusing to manipulate people in the name of prophecy;
- Refusing to lie just to get ahead.
It may take longer. It may seem less glamorous. But it will have God’s approval, and that is what matters.
Raising a New Generation of Achievers
The challenge before us now is to raise a new kind of achiever. Men and women who understand that the process matters as much as the result. Who knows that truth still counts. Who are not ashamed to take the long road because they trust God to reward faithfulness.
As a church, as parents, as mentors, we must redefine success for the next generation. We must tell our youth that it’s okay not to “blow” overnight. That it’s better to grow slowly in truth than to rise quickly through compromise. That God’s definition of success includes character, not just credentials.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on last week’s youth class and the profound question asked, “What is good success?”—I realise that the answer lies not just in explanation, but in example. We must live out the difference between success and good success.
Let your life be proof that it is possible to prosper without cheating. Let your work, your testimony, and your fruit bear witness that God still blesses the faithful. And when you eventually rise—and you will—let it be said that your success was good, because it was God’s.
That is the legacy we must leave behind. That is the altar we must build. That is the gospel we must preach.
Amen.