In 1John 5:5 Bible says “Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Success in life and life time achievement are all buzzwords in today’s world. While the world has its own standards for measuring success, it is different for Christians; our role model is Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind.
In John 16:33 Jesus says “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. For a worldly man, if he look carefully in to the earthly life of Jesus, whatever He possessed at the end of His life – a garment for which the roman soldiers cast lot for; achievement- all of His disciples fled from him; and seemingly miserable experience – of despise and crucifixion – were not symbols of success. Still Jesus proclaimed victory over the world, while being fully aware of the trial to endure and the shame to despise soon.
Thus, the standards of success are different for a Christian, as it was for their Master. The key verse quoted portrays the basic principles or standards which a Christian needs to follow, to be successful by overcoming the world. “One who overcomes the world is the one who believes in Jesus”. Here believing in Jesus means that he is liable by choice to love Him the most and as an extension of that love, love others also. Believing in God without commitment or actions is meaningless which is very much reiterated in this epistle.
Loving thy brother is the idea that is often repeated in this epistle; and, loving more than our life is what has exemplified. In this context it is worth to remind ourselves that the same epistle is used by theologian to refute the claim that it was possible for Jesus because it was all illusory or super human ability Jesus had. But the very first verse of the epistle by apostle (1John 1:1) reiterate the example he left us while He was in real flesh and blood.
All over the world, in many languages, writers or poets have expressed this idea that “it is impossible to love the invisible God without loving your brother who is visible. I think this idea might have come from the Bible, especially this epistle of John. It is a fact that many Christians are reluctant when it comes to “love thy neighbor” and no doubt, they will miserably fail at the end. The life of our Lord was the most righteous life ever lived and He has overcome the world. So living righteously the biblical way, depending on the grace of our Lord leads to a successful life. The end can confidently be left to Him who sustains everything through the power of His word. Moreover, He shed His precious blood to satisfy the ultimate righteousness of God and love the wretched “me”s.
The success portrayed by the world is Vanity- real, but not permanent. To be successful according to the Word of God is something to be cherished for eternity with the “Prince of life”. And, as we have His promise to be of help to anyone who sincerely choose to live a righteous life, for the glory of God, the task is very easy. Such success over the world is exactly, the way of Christian life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we have been called by you to live righteously in this world for Your glory, helps us to be steadfast in our decision of living Your way. Oh Lord, kindly guide us away from all the mistakes we may be heading to, in this endeavor. We thank you for helping us to cherish the eternity with you, our Prince of Life.

Yours in Christ, Manoj Thomas.