What Do You Consider Perfect? Part 3 - Accomplishments

“Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered, and being perfected, he became the source of salvation to all those who obey him.” Hebrews 5:8-9

In August 2013, I put my career as a fitness director at a large country club on hold to be a stay-at-home mother. I was pregnant with my second child and thought that it was important for me to raise my children instead of sending them to day care. My husband and I made this choice together as a family, and I was looking forward to this new adventure in my life. I knew this was the right choice for me to make, but what I was not prepared for was how I would feel lacking in some ways. This feeling of unproductiveness came when I realized I did not have an influence in the outside world. I did not feel like I was accomplishing anything extraordinary.

Have you ever felt that way? Maybe you are a stay-at-home mother, maybe you just retired from a lifelong career or maybe you have a career but it does not fulfill your need of accomplishment.

The world tells women we need to be powerful, successful, financially independent, influential, popular on social media, and well-travelled. The world tells us we need to be in control of everything we do. We need to make all the decisions for ourselves and our family. As I look up accomplished women on the internet, I think to myself, I can never measure up to them. I mean goodness, we can even compare ourselves to the woman who lives next door or the woman who has the big corner office in our office building. If that is what accomplished is, then I am not good enough. I need to work harder, set bigger goals and model my wants after theirs. We see ourselves as a failure when we think what we’ve done is not enough.

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” Hebrews 5:7-8

Notice Jesus took his desires and needs to God by offering up prayers and petitions. He got His answer from God and obeyed. He was made perfect because of his submission and obedience to God. That was what made Him successful in His life here on earth. We are successful in everything we do if we do it in submission and obedience to Christ.

The world cannot tell us what we need to accomplish or if we have accomplished enough, only God can tell us that. When God puts dreams in your head that tell you to run after something, He will give you what you need to accomplish that dream. Obedience in listening and acting on His calling on your life is true success. Success is not how much money you make, how many followers you have on Instagram, how many people listen to your advice, or how many countries you have travelled to. Obedience is success. Obedience in the One that knows your every desire and wants what is best for you.

I realized staying at home with my children is one of the biggest responsibilities of my life. I may have been influencing more people when I had a career outside of the home but raising my children has a lasting impression on them that nothing else compares to. I feel accomplished when I see my children having a heart for God. Accomplishments can come in many different ways and in different seasons of our lives. As we follow God’s will for our lives, we can find true success in these many ways and seasons. Be looking for all opportunities and accomplishments, big and small. God will provide them for you.

Digging Deeper:

“Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19

What makes you feel accomplished? How are you feeling inadequate in your accomplishments?

Are your goals in line with God’s goals for your life? Ask Him today what His will is for you!

How can you be obedient to God this week?