March 2024
Progress vs. Success
B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO
Recently, I watched a video clip of Denzel Washington delivering a speech when he said, “Ease is a greater threat to success than hardship.” I have found this to be true in my life. In fact, early in my career, I can remember choosing harder options over the obvious easier ones. The harder the project was to complete, or the obstacle was to get past, the more profound the benefit. For this reason, I believe we should understand the difference between progress and success. Progress is a word used to describe something that is moving forward or continuing toward a goal. While success tends to have a more definitive end or completion. So, which is more important, progress or success? While an argument could likely be made for both, I think the Apostle Paul gives us a unique perspective on this subject.
In Philippians Chapter 3, the Apostle Paul was talking about pressing toward a goal. In this case, he was referring to adopting the servant mindset of Jesus by being obedient to God’s direction and consistently progressing toward God’s calling on our life. This process is often referred to as maturing in our faith. Paul admits in this chapter that he has not reached perfection or the pinnacle of maturity, but he gives a couple of key points that we can benefit from applying to our lives daily. First, in verse 13 Paul says, “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” There is no doubt that we can benefit from the experiences of our past. However, it is just as easy for us to struggle with progress because of the hurts in our past. It is important to remember here that Paul was writing these words while he was in prison. He chose to use his time to encourage other believers and focus on the future rather than the past. Certainly not the easy path, but one that impacted far more than his mindset in a difficult place.
In verse 16 Paul says, “But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.” To me, this is the most impactful point of the whole chapter. We all experience seasons in our life where progress seems slow or stagnant. It is much better to sit still for a moment, and reassess than to start sliding backward. Don’t lose the progress that has already been made, rather choose to continue the progress however slow it may be. A big mistake that we have all been faced with at some point in time is allowing others to determine what our success in life should look like. That is the benefit to separating the two concepts of progress and success. Paul was referring to a lifetime goal in which constant effort is needed until his time on earth was complete. When your goal is maturity or mastery in a particular area, development never stops. Continual progression must be your focus.
Each of our skills, abilities, challenges, and life experiences are different. But Paul’s recommendations on how to continue progressing and maturing are applicable to all. We are all interested in success, but progress comes first. Joshua 1:8 says, “Study this Book of Instruction (Bible) continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” The keys to continual progress, satisfaction, joy, and ultimately success are right in front of us. We can’t forget that the toughest things in life can provide the most forward momentum, but they can also push us backward unless we are committed to holding on to the progress we have already made and pressing through to ensure we continue forward regardless of how slow we may be moving.
Challenge: Remember, the easy way is not always the best one. Forget the hurts of the past and look forward to what lies ahead. Hold on to the progress you have already made. Study God’s Word, apply it to your life, and enjoy the prosperity and success that comes from your obedience.
Published: March 1, 2024
