https://podcast.preppedforseminary.com/the-sons-of-abraham-galatians-3/
What If Success Isn’t the Goal?
Every day, we make decisions—big ones, small ones, ones we barely think about. But what if the goal of all those decisions isn’t success, comfort, or control?
What if the goal is to glorify God?
In a world that tells us to “follow your heart” or “do what works,” we’re reminded that obedience to God is the real strategy—even when it seems foolish to the world.
The Problem with Worldly Wisdom
Worldly wisdom sounds good on the surface. It’s in our slogans, our movies, and our social media feeds:
- Follow your heart.
- Do what makes you happy.
- You’re the master of your fate.
But here’s the problem: Our hearts are not always right. Without God, our desires often point us in the wrong direction.
What We Think Is Wisdom… Might Be Distortion
When we make choices based only on logic, comfort, or ambition, we ignore something crucial—God’s authority. The world’s wisdom might look smart, but it can never give us the full picture. Why?
Because it leaves God out.
Paul didn’t end up in prison because it was a “good strategy.” He ended up there because he was obeying God. And that obedience—costly, risky, unpopular—was the strategy.
Obedience always is.
A New Way to Make Decisions: Theo-Logic vs. Worldly Logic
We’re used to thinking in terms of efficiency, control, and results. But biblical wisdom teaches us to think differently.
Let’s break it down.
1. Glorify God Above All
According to the Westminster Catechism, the “chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” That’s not just theology—it’s a framework for decision-making.
Whether you’re picking a college, dealing with conflict, managing money, or making career moves, the real question is this:
“Will this glorify God?”
It’s not about balance or prioritizing God first and then moving on to other things. Everything flows from your love for Him.
2. Obedience Over Outcomes
Sometimes, God asks us to do something that looks foolish:
- Build a giant boat in the middle of dry land (Noah).
- Go to battle with a slingshot (David).
- Say no to power and popularity (Jesus).
Obedience doesn’t always look smart on paper. But when we trust God, we learn He makes sense of what the world calls senseless.
3. Theology First. Strategy Second.
We’re not called to figure out what “works.” We’re called to ask what glorifies God.
That means reframing our questions:
- “What’s the fastest solution?” becomes “What reflects God’s character?”
- “How can I win this?” becomes “How can I be faithful here?”
- “What do I want?” becomes “What honors the Lord?”
When we let theology shape our decisions, we stop treating God as a backup plan and start treating Him as the whole plan.
What Resistance Really Looks Like
So how do we resist the pull of worldly thinking?
It doesn’t mean arguing online or hiding from culture. It means holding our shape.
Picture a dam holding back water. The pressure is constant, but the dam stands firm. That’s what Christian resistance is—staying faithful in a world that pushes you to change.
1. Discern the Stories You’re Being Told
Culture constantly tells us stories about success, happiness, and identity. Ask yourself:
- Does this story include God?
- What would change if God were acknowledged here?
- Is this story telling me what’s true—or just what’s trendy?
2. Go Dark. Shine Bright.
Take intentional breaks from things that dull your spiritual awareness. Whether it’s social media, nonstop entertainment, or constant busyness, step away from distractions so you can step closer to God.
Then, use that space to:
- Read Scripture.
- Reflect.
- Serve others.
- Worship.
- Just be still.
The more time you spend with God, the brighter you’ll shine for His glory.
3. Ask Better Questions
Before making any big (or small) decision, ask:
- Does this reflect that God is infinitely more relevant than anything else?
- Is this the best way to glorify Him in this moment?
These questions realign our hearts and help us resist the world’s shallow logic with God-centered wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What worldly ideas have shaped your thinking without you realizing it?
- In your recent decisions, were you aiming for success—or for God’s glory?
- What might you need to “go dark” from in order to grow spiritually?
- How would your current situation look different if you viewed it through the lens of God’s presence?
- Are you asking the right questions that lead to faithful obedience?
In every decision, every moment, and every pressure you face, remember this:
Obedience is the strategy.
It’s not always flashy. It doesn’t always make headlines.
But it always leads to glorifying God—and that is our highest calling.