I love how Paul describes his friends- "dearly loved brothers" and goes further to call them his "joy and his crown." In other words, what brings him joy is the body of Christ, the community of believers. What determines his "success" and effectiveness- the walk of those in his life into whom he pours his life. Our relationships should be so God-honoring that we experience this same joy. We, likewise, should measure our own effectiveness by growth- both in God and in relationships with one another.

Philippians 4:1