Kidmin Covenant #12: Real Success is Obedience

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. One day, we’ll all stand before Jesus—not as leaders, organizers, or storytellers—but simply as servants. What will matter most won’t be the size of our programs or the polish of our presentations. It will be whether we were faithful with what He gave us. This covenant is my way of making sure I keep that day in mind. I want to lead in a way that pleases Him—not just in what I do, but in why and how I do it. Covenant Commitment #12: I will measure success by obedience, not by numbers or applause. Ministry is filled with metrics—attendance numbers, salvations, volunteers recruited, events pulled off, crafts completed without glitter explosions. It’s easy to start defining success by these visible outcomes. And while numbers can be helpful indicators, they were never meant to be the measuring stick of faithfulness. God’s view of success is radically different. In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet Samuel tells Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Saul had results. He had the people’s approval. But he didn’t obey God fully—and it cost him everything. That verse reminds us that impressive outcomes…