how do we define success?

i've personally been challenged to figure out how I define success while living here. and actually a friend spoke that over Jen and I before we moved. she said that you have to determine HOW you define success, or else you'll be discouraged.

and it's been a struggle b/c everyone has their own opinion of what a "missionary" is and what a "good" or "successful" missionary is. AND, i dont even feel like i'm a "missionary". i've actually come to not really care for that word, or at least they way we in the Christian world describe it. i think it's a stereotype that doesn't even exist . . .

anyhow, i looked up success and there are 2 VERY different definitions for it.
1- the accomplishment of an aim or purpose
2- the attainment of popularity or profit

so #2 is very clear on if you are hitting your target of "success". but #1 is extremely broad. it just says you are hitting your target, but doesn't tell you what your "target" is, this definition invites you to decide what you want your "target" to be. and then, if you hit it, you are successful, and if you dont hit it, you are not.

So what is my "target" in being here? my purpose? my goal?

i've been very challenged with that the whole time we've been here and God is slowly teaching me how HE defines success.

God isnt about numbers. He's not about money in the bank or big houses. He's not impressed with how many people we share the Gospel with.

God would not define me being successful if my goal was to grow this ministry into a huge household name ministry like that of World Vision.

God would not define me being successful if my goal was to raise so much money for this organization that we could do projects all over the world and never have to worry about money.

God would not define me being successful if my goal was to find the perfect marketing angle that would get people interested in what we are doing here.

God WOULD define me being successful if I am willing to have a teachable spirit. A loving heart. And a humble attitude.

Am I willing to be discipled? Corrected? Stretched? Am I willing to Wait on God rather than find my own way to make something happen? Am I willing to Trust God against all odds? Actually Sit and Trust Him? Am I willing to lay down my own expectations and dreams and surrender them to God, knowing that He has something better for me, even when I can't see it at all?

THAT is how God would define me being successful.

And am I willing to take what God is teaching me, through all the crap and embarrassing stuff, and then take the time and energy and devote myself to teaching others the same lessons that God is teaching me?
Give of my own personal time, give to others when I'm tired, apologize when I've acted wrongly even though it means eating some humble pie which tastes Horrible!

So I've been challenged on how I define success. in definition #1, what is my "aim or purpose" so that i can hit it and be successful?

my aim or purpose is my ability to BE a disciple and my ability to Make disciples.
surrendering pride & loving others is another way i would describe it.

anyhow, those are thoughts on my mind and i guess i just needed to get them out.