I am an inch-and-foot man stuck in a centimeter-and-kilometer world.

I have been able to adjust to many things…open markets, cold apartments, and maniac drivers.  I almost get surprised when someone answers in English.  I can sing worship songs even without understanding all the words.

But I still have a hard time saying, “Just 2.54 centimeters to the left…yes, that does it.”  I just want to scream, “IT IS AN INCH!!!”

I still think I am 5′11″, not 180 centimeters.  If I hear the daily temperature is to be 32 degrees, it still sounds cold to me.  And Diet Coke comes from 12 ounce cans, not .33 liters!

I never realized how ingrained I was to one system of measurement.  It is as if my whole mind is wired to understand length, height, and weight in only one dimension.  I find myself mentally recalculating to pounds, Fahrenheit, and feet.

The same change happened when I entered into God’s world.  My old system was drastically overlapped with God’s frame of reference.  The world’s measurement system of success is centered on numbers, money, influence, and fame.  God’s system of measurement is based on faith, character, and trust.  He measures with an eternal yardstick, seeing souls and spiritual growth as standards of success.

But changing measurement systems is not easy.  I still find the imprint of my old measurement of success in my heart.  To be honest, it is easy to judge the success of a church, pastor, or missionary by numbers.  It is still easy to say “I’ve succeeded” if the money is there, or my name is in print.

God could care less.

Is success preaching to thousands or giving a cup of hot tea to the old woman on the sidewalk?
Is success raising a million dollars for AGWM or buying shoes for the neighbor kid?
Is success having my name in print or living in obscurity, serving God with integrity?

God measures me by my spiritual growth, my willingness to obey, and my submission to His will.  His yardstick of success is in whom I am, not what I do.  He doesn’t care how big my ministry is or how much money I have in the bank.  He measures success His way…

I want to be a “successful” missionary, Even if I never think in kilos and grams, I pray I may think eternally…in souls…in people…in what really matters.

What kind of yardstick are you carrying?

Praying for God’s success,
Andy Raatz