What is TRUE success?

There is something that has been on my mind for quite some time that I would like share with you.

Just recently I was reading a list of the most influential and successful people in America today. A list that included such names as Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Phil Knight, Mark Zuckerburg, Warren Buffett, and Tiger Woods. Webster's Dictionary defines success as this:

 The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted; The gaining of fame or prosperity; Having a favorable outcome.

Let me ask you this simple question,  Who is more successful: A person who works at McDonalds and loves God and His people, or a person who is living the American Dream and has nothing to do with God? Your answer to this hypothetical reveals your idea of success.
I am not going to mince words or sugar coat it; I have to be honest with you: I am sick and tired of hearing Christian parents boast of the successes of their children who display a hatred for God. I recently heard a certain Christian parent shower their child with praise for achieving their goals and aspirations in life. Pushed under the rug are the facts that they have nothing to do with God's people, they do and listen to anything they want, they associate with others that openly reject Christ, and they mock those who love the gospel. And yet, they are a success? I would humbly submit to you that this one is nothing more than a collosal failure in God's eyes.

It is appalling the level of parental apathy when it comes to the spiritual condition of their children. Either excuses are made to rationalize their child's rebellion away, or the parents refuse to acknowedge its existence. I believe it has more to do with excuse making than anything else. I also find it troubling that some Christian parents have come to equate their child's attained personal ambitions with true success. These are not the same, at least, not in God's eyes. I have no quarrels with Webster's definition; my concern is that this definition has been contextualized by our culture. Context aside, the ideas of success, value, worth, and prosperity are not human in origin.
So then, what is TRUE success?

I am thinking of that great statement by God's servant Joshua in Joshua 1:8,

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so  
that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and  then you will have good success.

Consider Psalm 19:7-10 and Proverbs 3:1-6:

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success (reputation) in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

If I am understanding these passages correctly, prosperity and success are determined by how saturated one's life is by the Word of God. Success and value is found in a Christ-initiated relationship. Sadly, our definition of success is not shaped by the sufficient Word of God, but by our media-driven culture. It is God who declares someone or something to be a success. Our value is found in the imputed righteousness of Christ. If not for God and His Word, we cannot be successful. We as parents must teach our kids that their success is determined by God and not by this world.

So let's take Webster's definition and contextualize it by the truths of Scripture: The achievement of something (relationship with God thru His Son) desired, planned, or attempted; The gaining of fame (with God) or prosperity (in Christ); Having a favorable outcome (restoration and eternal fellowship with God).

Now that's TRUE success.