Redefining Writing Success

What is success?

The dictionary defines it as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” Failure, then, is simply the lack of success.

So, someone being “successful”, simply means that they achieved the aim or purpose that they set out to do.

We run into trouble with this loaded little word when we make the assumption that there is a universal aim or purpose that we all “should” be trying to attain. When we perceive that someone has attained that universal goal, then we consider them “successful” and we maybe try to attain that same universal goal.

What are some of those goals that we can see as universal - things everyone naturally aims for? Money is a popular one. Fame or public recognition or prestige are others.

The problem is that as Christians, we can buy into these universal goals without realizing it. And Jesus had a different definition of success.

The World’s Definition

So, let’s look at the world’s definition of success - money and fame. Here’s one of the many problems with making those the things the goal we’re aiming for. How much money is enough? At what point do we have enough money to be considered successful? Money as a goal tends to be something that never satisfies. Fame falls into the same category. How much is enough? How many social media followers? Book sales? Speaking gigs? Website views? Solomon attained immense amounts of money and fame and realized they’re both empty. How many actors and singers have found the same thing? They achieve what seems like an amazing level of fame and fortune that surely must satisfy, and then they’re found dead from suicide or a drug overdose… Apparently they discovered the same thing that Solomon did - that it’s meaningless. A chasing after the wind.

Now, before you take a vow of poverty and throw in the towel to the thought of ever getting enough of a following so you can get published, let’s make sure we’re not going too far the other direction.

Money isn’t bad. It isn’t evil. Earning money isn’t bad. Having a goal of earning a certain amount of money isn’t bad. Some Christians wrestle with whether they should be earning money from their Christian writing at all.

Let me tell you - Yes. It’s totally fine. If nothing else, writing comes with expenses - websites cost money, so do email lists and growing in your craft. It’s totally fair to earn enough to pay your expenses for those things.

It’s also totally OK to earn a profit beyond covering your expenses. Your writing can be a business. It doesn’t have to be, but there’s nothing wrong with it if it is. Money itself is morally neutral. It’s the LOVE of money that God condemns. Money shouldn’t be our master. When money is our master - the highest aim that we’re trying to achieve - we tend to be willing to cut corners and make decisions that aren’t godly. But when we see money as a servant to us and our families, it’s a different story.

In the same way, building a “platform” isn’t bad. If you would like to be traditionally published, you will need a platform of a certain size, meaning a certain number of email subscribers and social media followers - in order to catch the attention of a publisher. A publishing contract is a business deal - the publisher needs to know that you can likely sell enough copies to make it a worthwhile investment for them. Having a goal of a certain number of email subscribers or website visits is fine. But don’t make that your master. If that’s your sole primary aim, it can steer us off course as followers of Jesus.

What should be OUR definition of success?

“Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Does that mean that if I seek Jesus first that I’ll get money and fame? No, not necessarily. I’m not preaching a prosperity gospel here! The verses before Matthew 6:33 talk about having food to eat and clothes to wear, not riches and fame.

But I think the idea in general is that we should aim higher and we may catch some of those other things along the way, but even if we don’t, it won’t matter.

Our highest aim should be to glorify God and serve others through using the gifts that God has given us.

When we have that ultimate definition of success in place, it rearranges all the other smaller goals underneath it. Growing our numbers becomes more people to reach for Jesus. But if only 20 people are reading my emails, that’s great! It’s 20 people I’m helping to grow closer to Jesus. We shouldn’t discount that or feel like we’re not successful. Each person is important in God’s eyes, and they should be in ours as well.

I lead the women’s ministry at my church. When we host an event or a retreat, I always have to remind myself and the women on my lead team what the definition of a successful event is. Yes, it would be great if the food arrived on time, the tablecloths were ironed perfectly, and the program went through without any technical glitches. It’s not a bad idea to aim for that. BUT, a successful event is one in which women connect with other women in meaningful ways and grow closer in their walks with Jesus. Where they have the courage to serve one another according to their gifting. That makes for a successful event, even if the food is cold, the mics don’t work, and the tablecloths are a little wrinkled. Yes, we should look to the details, but if we only define success in big numbers, perfect decor, and excellent food, then we’re missing the point.

So how do you define success for your writing? What are you trying to achieve and why? Try taking a step back and look at what your big picture goals are. How would you like to serve God with your writing? Publish a book, either traditionally or self-published? Start public speaking? Publish a course? Those are all great goals to have! Accomplishing them will involve money and followers, which is also fine. But just remember - our ultimate goal is to bring glory to God and equip the body of Christ.

I’m going to leave you with a couple Bible verses:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17