As I mentioned in my previous post, the word success is actually only used once in the King James Translation. It is found in Joshua 1:8. And it comes from the Hebrew word sakal.
Now, this is not the only time we find sakal in the Old Testament, even though it is the only occurrence of the word success (in the early English translations). In other instances in the Old Testament (and there's over 60 instances) of the word sakal, it has been translated into the words understand or understanding, wise, wisely, or wisdom, prosper, consider, instruct, prudent, skill, teach, guiding, wittingly, behaved, skillful and, of course, success.
Interesting spread of words. No where in those words do I see any indication of success being some kind of destination or goal. Instead it seems to be very vague, at least vague to those who like things concrete, practical and in absolutes.
To me all these words give a sense of learning and growing; something that does not actually end. Because, we can always learn more, grow in deeper understanding (just ask a Microbiologist), have more wisdom, grow more skillful. Even when you are the best at something, say the fastest runner, you can always train more to gain that extra 1/100th of a second.
Well, I suppose we can then say that success is a journey, as John Maxwell put it.
But you know what. That also means that you are, or you can be, a success RIGHT NOW!
Think about it. Comment on it. I'll write more about that tomorrow.
Be blessed.
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