The Cost of Success

When I was studying in London I was an infrequent attendee of Westminster Chapel. This was back when RT Kendall was the minister. Dr K had an uncommon gift for preaching and I benefited from my time at the WC. One thing that he said that has stuck with me was something he quoted from his predecessor, Martin Lloyd-Jones. He said "The worst thing that can happen to a man is for him to succeed before he is ready."

I have taken this to heart because I see the truth in it. In one sense it's obvious, because we see young rock, film and sports stars put in the spotlight of success and see them ruined by it. They can't handle the fame or money, and it ultimately destroys them. Of course, it's usually a delayed reaction. The destructive success of their twenties may not be felt until they are much older.

We often worry about and put a lot of effort into mitigating the effects of failure, but in a way the damage that success can do is just as bad and it comes in more attractive packaging. It's potential harm disguised as something good. We will even applaud people who find themselves successful before they are ready for it.

Success in the hands of someone who is ready for it; mature enough to shape it rather than let it shape them, is a good thing. But many of us lust after success without asking ourselves if we are ready for it.