Achievement
God is not going to look us over for medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars. (James Gribble, pioneer missionary)
We tend to evaluate people’s success by the medals won, degrees or diplomas earned, or otherwise gaining public acclaim for their achievements. They are worthy of note, of course, but a better indication of achievement might be the obstacles overcome, evidenced by the marks of struggle and difficulty. Value is increased by the cost of the achievement.
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. (1 John 2:16)