The True Meaning of Success

At the 2012 London Olympics in the men’s 1600 meter relay race, Manteo Mitchell ran the first 400 meters, slowly.  The internet erupted in criticism with angry Twitter tweets at his poor performance.  Here is what really happened.  As Mitchell started to run, he heard a loud pop and felt a sudden pain as his left fibula snapped.  He finished his portion of the relay race to make sure that the United States would qualify for the next round.  The event rivals the historical importance of what Kerri Strug did at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in her Gold Medal winning vault.

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What Mitchell had to say: “I felt I upheld the Olympic standard to the highest degree.  It’s not finishing first or second, it’s doing your best.”  He explained that he felt that he had to “do what I was called in to do.”

Christians are called to be witnesses (the Greek word is  μάρτυρας "martyrs."), even if sometimes doing so is uncomfortable or even dangerous, even if no one seems to be listening. 

In his book, Share Jesus Without Fear, William Fay points out that, for Christians, "success is sharing your faith and living your life for Jesus Christ.  It has nothing whatsoever to do with bringing anyone to the Lord.  It has everything to do with obedience."  Obedience , not results, is success for a Christian.  Results come from the work of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit indwells every believer.  "... we have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, living in us ..."  

Christians

At some time during their lives, the following people have publicly identified themselves as Christian.   Inclusion in this list does not indicate approval or disapproval of the person, of their orthodoxy or lack of it, or of their actions.  Some of those listed may surprise you.  Readers are encouraged to suggest persons who should be included on this list.  This is a recurring segment in this blog.

John Ray: (b. 1627, England – d. 1705) Botanist, college lecturer, biological cataloger).  Ray is credited with laying the foRyan Hallundations for modern botany and zoology.

Mary of Lapland: (b. Lappland (Finland, aka: Milla Clementsdottir of Follinge)  Mary was a Sami woman who, in 1844, showed the Swedish Lutheran pastor, Lars Levi Laestadius, the need for a deeper, more personal faith.

Lars Levi Laestadius (b. 1800, Sweden – d. 1861) Swedish Lutheran pastor, author, botanist.

Ryan Hall: (b. 1982, California, USA) United States Olympic long distance runner (London 2012) who credits God as his only coach.

Oswiu of Northumbria: (b. ca 612 – d. 670; aka: Oswy, Oswig)  King of Bernicia, an early British kingdom. 

Christians

At some time during their lives, the following people have publicly identified themselves as Christian. Inclusion in this list does not indicate approval or disapproval of the person, their religious beliefs, or their actions. This is a recurring segment in this blog.

Michael Francis Moore: (b. 1954, Michigan, USA) filmmaker, author, liberal political commentator. His films are often quite controversial, taking an extreme left view. Moore is a Roman Catholic.

Kirk Thomas Cameron: (b. 1970, California, USA) Actor, evangelist. He starred in Fireproof, the highest grossing independent film of 2008. He has won numerous acting awards.

Luciano Pavarotti : (b. 1935, Italy – d. 2007) Operatic tenor, humanitarian. 1998 Grammy legend Award. Roman Catholic.

Nodar Kumaritashvili: (b. 1988, Georgia – d. 2010) Georgian Olympic luger killed at Whistler, British Columbia when he flew out of the luge track and hit a metal pole.

Jeremiah Castille: (b. 1961, Georgia, USA) Professional football player who, in college, was on the last Bear Bryant-coached team. He is the father of two NFL players, Tim and Simeon.