From the DAWGHouse…
Holiness over Success
In a world obsessed with accolades, achievements, and the relentless pursuit of success, the statement “I’d rather be holy than successful” stands as a bold and countercultural declaration. For many, success is the ultimate goal—the measure of one’s worth and the standard by which society judge’s individuals. Yet, for Christians, the pursuit of holiness surpasses all earthly ambitions, reflecting the call to live a life set apart for God.
To grasp the weight of this statement, it is essential to define what is meant by holiness and success. Holiness, in biblical terms, means to be set apart for God’s purposes, to embody His character, and to live in obedience to His Word. As Peter reminds us, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Holiness is not perfection achieved through human effort but the result of being transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Success, on the other hand, often carries a worldly connotation—wealth, influence, recognition, and power. While these things are not inherently sinful, they can become idols when pursued as ends in themselves. Jesus warned, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
As Pastor Pete has shared, this stark contrast highlights the eternal significance of prioritizing holiness over temporal success.
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of holiness. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God calls His people to be distinct. In Leviticus 20:26, God declares, “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” This call remains unchanged for believers today. Our holiness is not for self-glorification but to reflect God’s glory and to be a light in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Does prioritizing holiness mean renouncing success altogether?
Not necessarily. Success, when pursued with godly motives and within the framework of God’s will, can be a means of glorifying Him. Consider Joseph, who rose to prominence in Egypt, or Daniel, who held a high position in Babylon. Their success was not the result of compromising their faith but of their unwavering commitment to God’s principles.
However, the difference lies in the heart’s posture. The world’s definition of success often demands compromise, self-promotion, and a relentless focus on personal gain. In contrast, a holy life prioritizes God’s kingdom, even at the cost of worldly recognition. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 resonate here: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
One of the most compelling reasons to prioritize holiness over success is the eternal perspective. Earthly success is fleeting and will one day fade. Holiness, however, prepares us for eternity with God. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” When we live with eternity in mind, our ambitions shift from building earthly empires to storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).
Choosing holiness over success is not without challenges. It may mean being misunderstood, facing rejection, or foregoing opportunities that conflict with biblical principles. Yet, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. “I’d rather be holy than successful” is more than a statement; it is a declaration of allegiance to God’s priorities over the worlds.
In the end, the only success that truly matters is hearing our Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
To The King, who frees us.
Joe Bouch
