What do we mean when we wish someone a 'prosperous new year'? The word 'prosperous' comes from the Latin, 'pro spere' meaning 'according to one's hope'. In wishing someone prosperity we are saying that we wish they will realize the future they are hoping for. As we enter a new year it is good to reflect upon what we are hoping for. Do we have worthy goals? Do have what it takes to succeed?

Some people have a fear of success. This is because there is so much distortion about what it means to be successful. They recognize that the quest for success is often accompanied by greed, corruption, relational abuse, and an inordinate amount of competitiveness, hostility and self-assertiveness. They recognize that people often sell their souls to achieve self-advancement. The Bible teaches us that we were created to be a success. According to the Bible, to be 'successful' does not mean that we clamber to the top as much as it means that we get out from under. The Spanish word for 'success' is 'exito'-reminding us of our escape (exit; exodus) from the futility and corruption of this world system (2Peter 1:4). We must escape the domination of fear, selfishness, poverty, negative thinking, lust, anger and self-destructive tendencies to be successful. "You shall know (by experience) the truth and the truth will make you free." To be a success means more than to accomplish your goals. To truly be a success means that you are able to bring pleasure to God by fulfilling your unique destiny.

The word 'success' (in English) implies a 'succession' of steps. Success also infers leaving a legacy for others ('successors') to build upon. Success is a moving target because it involves our being faithful on a daily basis to fulfill the function for which we were created - a partnership in God's purposes (1Corinthians 3:5,9). He wants us to fulfill His Great Co-mission - building the body of Christ, the bride, His choice companion that is destined to reign with Him forever. There is a beautiful picture of the Father (Abraham) sending out His servant (the Spirit-empowered disciple) to get a bride for His son (Isaac) in Genesis 24. In this chapter we have the first mention of the word 'success'. It is associated with the eternal purpose of God establishing a community of oneness to be His co-regent in the ages to come. The servant who is sent on this mission is promised that God will send an angel to go before him (Genesis 24:7). Even so, the Lord promises us that He will be with us to work on our behalf in the mission to which we have been assigned (Matthew 28:20).

There are successive steps that you can take to fulfill your destiny. The first step is a faith response to the demands of the gospel. The gospel demands a decision. The decision involves a radical, resolute, irrevocable commitment to the present arrival of the future kingdom in Christ the King. The gift of God is the dynamic life of the kingdom - the indwelling Holy Spirit who empowers us and endows us with gifts for service. In an attitude of servanthood, we will do 'whatever it takes' to see God's objectives realized through our lives.

We need not be paralyzed by fear. God wants you to be a success. Find out what God is doing today and partner with Him in it. Allow Him to use your gifts, talents, time and treasures for His purposes. You will be more than a success, you will fulfill your destiny.

May the Lord bless you with fresh God-sized goals for the New Year!