I am taking an online class in cross-cultural communication and it has been fascinating to discuss approaches for interacting with people from different backgrounds. I laughed, though, when I read the first question for this week’s homework assignment: Clearly define what it means for you to be “successful” in life. What are your criteria for evaluating your level of success?

I thought, “Okay, if she really wants to know, I’m going to be completely honest and not just spout off what American culture says.” This is what I wrote:

I define success in my life based on my relationship to God and to other people. My primary criterion of success is my love for God. I measure my love for Him by my obedience to His commands (Bible, John 14:15). If I obey Him perfectly, I am successful. My secondary criterion is my interaction with and perception of other people. I must view and treat them all as people who are precious to God, not trying to change who they are but encouraging and helping them in their quest for improvement and growth (Bible, Hebrews 10:23-24). If I can encourage and help one person to improve and grow, I am successful in that instance.

Hey, she asked.