So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if
we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.

In their analysis of the American ethos Robert Bellah and his colleagues wrote,
‘The American dream is often a very private dream of being the star, the uniquely
successful and admirable one, the one who stands out from the crowd of ordinary
folks.’ Jesus didn’t buy into such a dubious notion, and doesn’t invite us
to either.

You see, success and/or failure may produce spiritual health – or they may not. As
Kipling said, they’re both imposters. Indeed, in reality what is perceived as failure
is often success, and vice-versa.

Our world is like a shop after young people on Halloween night got in and changed all
the price-tags around. The price and value of winning or losing don’t necessarily
relate. Winning isn’t everything; we also need the faith to face failure. ‘When
I am weak, then I am strong’, Paul wrote. ‘I can do all things (even fail!)
through Christ who strengthens me.’

Sometimes we give the impression we’ve ‘got it all together’; or
‘victorious Christian life’ preachers leave us struggling in confusion and
despair. The old hymn which says ‘Standing on the promises I cannot fail’ is
dubious theology at best.

Unless I have failed, I will never succeed. What looks like failure in a success-mad
world may prove to be successful in the longer run. So forgive me, Lord, if ever I say
‘I am a failure’ rather than ‘I have failed’. Amen.

Rowland Croucher <>