Rejoice in the Lord, Not in Achievement

I’m sure you can recount most of your significant achievements since childhood. While there is nothing inherently evil about rejoicing in our life successes, it is essential to have a proper biblical attitude toward them. A proper Biblical perspective calls us to major on majors and minor on minors. Humility, despite our outstanding achievements, is a result of recognizing the giver of success and realizing our own insufficiency. Our eyes should never digress from the primary focus, the eternal. In this article, I aim to redirect our sights from ourselves and our achievements, so that God may take center stage as we rejoice in him alone. 

Introduction to Christian Joy

In the book of Philippians, the word “joy” appears more than 16 times. The theme of joy is deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Interestingly, this letter to the Philippians was written while Paul was in prison. His story serves as an illustration within the text, demonstrating that biblical joy endures even in the most difficult of times. This is why.

1. It rests on the sovereignty of God: A Christian’s joy is found in knowing God and appreciating his continual provision, care, protection, and guidance. We acknowledge that God’s plan for his people has never been for evil but for good, even in the worst of circumstances (Jeremiah 29:11). God works all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
2. It’s an unwavering attitude: Unlike situational happiness, the Christian joy is a continual state of being that transcends even tough times. Christians usually maintain a positive outlook on life in all seasons. To cultivate such an outlook, there is a need to learn the Bible and appreciate how God has worked with people over time, develop a grateful heart in all circumstances, and rely on the inner peace God has given. There is a lot that can cause us anxiety in life, but don’t we know who to trust (Philippians 4:6-7)?
3. It is our source of strength: Christian joy fosters resilience and inner strength, encouraging a positive outlook even in the most challenging times. Nehemiah 8:10 says that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Christian joy is rooted in the character of God and in the faithfulness evident throughout the Bible. Christians can thus defy storms and serve God.
4. A content attitude: At times, things may not work out as we desire, but we must learn to be content in every situation. Paul, while grateful for the Philippians’ support of his ministry, told them that he had learned to be content in whatever situation, whether of lack or plenty (Philippians 4:10-13). He then proclaimed that he could do all things through Christ who strengthens him. 

Why not Rejoice in Achievement

1. Temporal Nature of earthly achievements: Earthly achievements are fleeting. Matthew 6:19-21 exhorts Christians not to store their treasures on earth, where moths destroy them, or thieves can break in and steal them. He said that where our treasures are is where our hearts are, while calling us to have our affections toward heavenly treasures. The preacher in Ecclesiastes states that wealth never satisfies the desire for it (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Paul, on the other hand, states that things that can be seen are only temporary (1 Corinthians 4:18).
2. The Temptation of Self-Sufficiency: The Bible cautions us against the temptation of self-sufficiency. When people achieve great things, they may think it is due to their own strength and seek independence from God. Self-sufficiency leads to pride, which comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Self-sufficiency is, therefore, setting yourself against God.
3. Focusing on the Gift rather than the Giver: Rejoicing in achievement is not inherently evil, but it can divert our focus from the giver to the gift. Our eyes are to remain fixed on Christ, who is the giver of eternal life and eternal blessings. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to keep our eyes on Christ, who is the author and the perfector of our faith.
4. Mistaking achievements for ultimate security: Many times, those who are in pursuit of earthly things seek earthly securities. While they can provide temporary security, achievements cannot substitute for the ultimate security that is God himself. Our ultimate security lies in knowing God and believing in him and his promises. Nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39). God is our strength and refuge, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
5. Seeing the achievement as an end rather than a means to an end: Many times, we are after material things as ends in themselves. Our human purpose is bigger than just acquiring houses and cars, or owning all the land we can. We are called to live for God and to serve his purpose on earth. We must live to glorify God and become good stewards of what he has given us (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Paul’s Choice to Rejoice in the Lord

In Philippians 3, Paul shares all the things that he could have been proud of compared to the Judaizers of his day. He shares things that he possessed by virtue of his origin (Philippians 3:5). He further shares all the things he had achieved and chosen to do that were under his volition (Philippians 3:6). Despite all the things he could brag about, he made the following resolutions as a person.

1. Deny self (Philippians 3:7): Paul shares that he counted all that was for his gain as loss for the sake of Christ. Jesus said that whoever wants to be his disciple must deny self and follow him (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34). God desires that we reorient our life goals and priorities to focus on him.  
2. Pursuit for God (Philippians 3:8): The driving force for forsaking all was to know Christ. Living life from God’s perspective brings genuine joy and profound inner fulfillment. For that to happen, we must know Christ and what honors him. Anything that can steal affections from Christ, we let go and let Christ take his place.
3. Pursuit of righteousness by faith rather than law (Philippians 3:9): Many people think that we can earn salvation or win God’s favor by our own strength. Observing the law could not save the Jews, and neither can it save us. Our salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8).
4. From knowing to becoming (Philippians 3:10-11): Paul’s pursuit did not climax in mere head knowledge, but in becoming like Christ in every way, including appreciating his suffering and death on the cross, the ultimate prize that God paid for our sins. 

It is for these reasons that the Bible calls us to rejoice in the Lord and forsake all for the sole purpose of knowing Christ and becoming like him. Let us therefore go and rejoice!