“Success” is such a tricky word. Most modern interpretations of success tend to focus on wealth, fame, accomplishment, speed, size and scale. Where do our definitions of “success” come from? What if we were to look at Jesus’ life for a new definition of success?

Jesus was never hurried, annoyed, or overwhelmed by His schedule. Until the age of 30, Jesus had no platform, power or following that might suggest He would become the most influential person in human history. As a common tradesman, He worked with His hands, lived simply, and was faithful in the small things. Even during His speaking and teaching career, Jesus often escaped from the crowds and withdrew to quiet places to pray, and slow down.

In 1926, a humble minister named Dr. James Allan Francis penned this poem which summarily describes the counter-cultural life of Jesus and the impact He made.

One Solitary Life (By Dr James Allen Francis)

He was born in an obscure village, The child of a peasant woman.
He grew up in still another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop Until he was thirty.

Then for three years
He was an itinerant preacher.
He never wrote a book.
He never held an office.
He never had a family or owned a house.
He didn’t go to college.
He never visited a big city.
He never traveled two hundred miles From the place where he was born.
He did none of the things
One usually associates with greatness. He had no credentials but himself.
He was only thirty-three
When the tide of public opinion turned against him.

His friends ran away.
He was turned over to his enemies. And went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to a cross
Between two thieves.
While he was dying,
His executioners gambled for his clothing,
The only property he had on Earth. When he was dead,
He was laid in a borrowed grave Through the pity of a friend.
Twenty centuries have come and gone, And today he is the central figure
Of the human race,
And the leader of mankind’s progress. All the armies that ever marched,
All the navies that ever sailed,
All the parliament that ever sat,
All the kings that ever reigned,
Put together have not affected
The life of man on Earth
As much as that
One Solitary Life.

Jesus demonstrated that true success is found in humility, in washing the feet of others, and in living for the will of the Father rather than for the applause of men. His life was a powerful example of how we can lead by being faithful in the small, often unnoticed acts of love and service.

Would you be content with a life devoid of the common trappings of success if it produced significance instead?

Stepping Off The Crazy Train: Loving & Leading A Counter-Cultural Life is a new IMPACT Cohort study for men who want to grow as husbands, fathers, and leaders. If you are a man seeking sanity in the pace and priorities of your life, family and career, we encourage you to join or start an IMPACT Cohort and participate in this 7 week study. Take action here.