SUCCESS: REWARD OF RELIGION, NOT HARD WORK?

IN many societies, the idea of success is often seen as the goal — a symbol of accomplishment, wealth and happiness. However, the route to success is not always clear-cut. People often wonder whether success is something that one earns through sheer hard work and perseverance, or if it is simply a divine reward for being pious and faithful. One common belief is that success is a reward of religion, granted by a higher power, rather than the result of personal effort and dedication. This perception is deeply rooted in various cultures and religions, where faith and spirituality are believed to play a key role in determining one’s fate in life. But is this perception truly reflective of reality? And how does it shape our understanding of success in today’s world?

Favour

Throughout history, many religious traditions have associated success with the favour of a higher power. In Christianity, for example, there is the notion that those who follow God’s commandments will be rewarded, while those who stray may suffer the consequences. The is also the reality that we see many staunch Christians suffer through poverty and lack, while non-believers flourish and you might be tempted to justify this through the perspective that wealth is immaterial, however I for one believe God is not a God that wants us to be poor and so wealth biblically includes the material things in life – perhaps defined by how we use them in alignment with our faith can be the defining change.
This perspective presents a comforting narrative: That success is not simply a matter of luck, talent or labour, but rather a divine gift. It suggests that if one is faithful, moral and devoted to religious practice, they will be blessed with prosperity, health and happiness. This belief, however, is not always aligned with the reality many individuals face.

Failing

Countless stories abound of people who have worked tirelessly, with dedication and skill, but still find themselves struggling or failing, despite their efforts. Meanwhile, others who may not adhere to religious principles or work as hard appear to experience success effortlessly.

The concept of success as the result of hard work, on the other hand, is often championed in modern societies, particularly in the context of the ‘big dream’. The idea is simple: Anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success through determination, skill and relentless effort. In the Western world, particularly, there is a strong belief in merit, the idea that success is based on merit, and those who work hard will eventually be rewarded for their efforts. Hard work, intelligence, innovation and perseverance are considered the building blocks of success, and many people are raised to believe that by applying these principles, they will achieve their goals. In this context, the idea that success is a gift granted by religion can sometimes be seen as an out-dated or naive belief.

However, the perception that success is a direct outcome of hard work also has its limitations. It tends to ignore the social and economic inequalities that exist in society. People born into privilege often have more opportunities and resources at their disposal, giving them a head start in life; while individuals who face systemic barriers such as poverty, discrimination or lack of access to quality education may work just as hard, but find it more difficult to achieve the same level of success. In this sense, the narrative that success is solely a result of personal effort is oversimplified and unfair.

Faith

Rather than seeing faith and hard work as mutually exclusive, it’s worth considering how they might coexist. In many cases, individuals may rely on both spiritual beliefs and personal effort in their pursuit of success. For example, an entrepreneur may pray for guidance and strength, while simultaneously working long hours to build their business. A student may believe that their education is a gift from God, but also recognise the importance of studying to achieve academic success. In these instances, religion provides a sense of purpose, strength and resilience, while hard work becomes the practical means of achieving tangible results. It’s also essential to acknowledge that success is not always within an individual’s control. There are numerous factors outside of one’s power that can influence the outcome of their endeavours. Economic conditions, political stability, social networks and even random chance can all play a role in shaping one’s opportunities and achievements. While hard work is undeniably important, it is not the only determinant of success. In some cases, luck or being in the right place at the right time is all you need. Ultimately, we must recognise that success cannot be easily defined or measured by one single standard. It is a deeply personal journey.

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