The Seventh Chapter of Hebrews helps us understand what success really looks like. The world tells us it is about prestige, title, wealth accumulation, and status. Success, it would seem, is a label.
The accumulations are not worthless, just like the Levitical priests are not worthless. It is not that they have no value, but that perfection is not found in what they are based upon. A Levitical priest is a priest whose authority is built on a foundation of generational inheritance. Position recognized through DNA. Like all accumulations, this is an opportunity to serve. It is not the measure of success; for that, it is insufficient.
Melchizedek is considered a priest based on what he did. His action. His choices. Jesus (as alluded to in this verse) came “in the order of Melchizedek.”
Our true inheritance is not position or worldly riches; it is the inheritance of a life well lived. The perfect life of Jesus is our example and the lineage to which we belong. Jesus did not pass on superficial goods and worldly success; He passed on wisdom, the example of an indestructible life.
Success in life is faithfulness to this inheritance, to this “order.” It is not about pursuing worldly status or wealth. It is about stewarding all of our various positions, resources, and opportunities toward a faithful and God-honoring life.
“If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? … one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.”
– Hebrews 7:11,16