The Test of Success

Scripture says:

“So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant when you have eaten and are full then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” — Deuteronomy 6:10–12

Many of us would expect the Lord to say, “Be thankful. Lift up your hands in praise.” But that is not what He says. Instead, God gives a warning: “Beware. Be careful.”

Why would God warn His people in the middle of their blessing?

Because prosperity carries a hidden spiritual danger—the danger of forgetting the Lord.

Two Possible Responses to Blessing

When a man or woman experiences the blessing of God, one of two things usually happens.

1. Blessing Can Deepen Gratitude

The blessing of God can intensify our gratitude and increase our love for the Lord.

A beautiful example of this is found in the life of Peter. When Jesus entered Peter’s boat and gave him a prophetic instruction to cast the nets again, Peter obeyed.

Though he had caught nothing all night, the moment he obeyed the Lord’s word, his empty boat was filled with fish—so much that it began to overflow.

Peter’s response was not pride but reverence. He fell before Jesus in awe of His power. From that day onward, Peter followed the Lord.

Blessing led him into deeper devotion.

2. Blessing Can Lead to Forgetfulness

However, the blessing of the Lord can also cause a person to forget God if they are not careful.

When you move into a new home, graduate with a degree, or when your salary moves from five figures to six figures, you will face a subtle but powerful test.

It is called the test of success.

The Bible reminds us:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” — James 1:17

God’s blessings are good gifts meant to be received with gratitude and joy. But every blessing carries within it a hidden test.

After experiencing success, will we still acknowledge that it came from God?

Or will we begin to say what Scripture warns about:

“My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.” — Deuteronomy 8:17

Success can quietly shift our focus from God to ourselves if we are not watchful.

The Subtle Signs of Forgetting God

When success comes, certain questions arise that reveal the condition of our hearts:

Will you still give glory to God by sharing your testimony?
Will you continue to come to the house of God now that you are blessed?
Will you continue to pray after receiving the life partner, the house, or the child you prayed for?

Sometimes, people seek God passionately in their seasons of need, but once the blessing arrives, their dependence on Him slowly fades.

The time of greatest spiritual danger may not be when a person is sick or struggling.

Surprisingly, the greater danger often comes when everything is going well.

When life is comfortable, the temptation to forget God becomes stronger.

The Lesson from the Ten Lepers

In Luke 17, we read about ten lepers who came to Jesus seeking healing.

Jesus gave them a prophetic instruction to go and show themselves to the priests. As they obeyed His instruction and went on their way, they were healed.

Yet only one of them returned to thank the Lord.

Jesus responded with these words:

“Were not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” — Luke 17:17

Nine received the miracle but forgot the Master. Only one returned with gratitude.

Success Is Also a Test

Your greatest test may not come when you lose a job but when you receive one.

It may not come when you lack resources, but when abundance arrives.

The real question is this: When success comes, will you still give glory to God?

If you continue to honour the Lord and attribute your success to Him, you position yourself for even greater levels of blessing.

Because in God’s kingdom, humility and gratitude always open the door to greater favour.

Bible Reading: Joshua 6-7

The Test of Success

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