Success in Life

Success is something we all want to experience in our personal lives as well as in the workplace.  Motivational speakers point to various elements that go into making someone a success such as being positive, setting specific goals and following strict discipline.  Obviously, these are not the only way to success.  Success according to the criteria of the world and Biblical success are quite different.

In the Scriptures we are given information to help us understand success from a Biblical perspective.  The Bible says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8).  Let’s take a look at the specifics of success that this verse suggests and try to come to an understanding of prosperity and success through God’s eyes.

1)      Allow the Bible to be a regular part of your life – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth.”  This means that we should constantly spend time reading, listening to, and thinking about God’s Word. It does not mean to simply consider what God’s word says when we attend church on Christmas and Easter.  These two Christian holidays share important biblical events, but in no way would hearing God’s word during these two times during the year be considered “regular”.  Rather, get a Bible and begin to read once a day.  Start in the Gospel of St. Mark.  Do not be concerned about how much you read but start with a paragraph or two, or maybe even read just one verse. 

2)      Let the words of Scripture constantly permeate your mind – “Meditate on it day and night.”  As you read the Bible, take time to think about and concentrate on what it says.  Let the words of Scripture speak to you.  Take time to diligently study what you read and identify what the Bible tells you about God or what it instructs you to do. As you approach the Scripture do so with the idea that you want to grasp the meaning to help you understand what the author intended.

3)      Make practical application of the Word of God in daily living – “Be careful to do everything written in it.”  God’s Word is more than just a book to be read.  In addition to reading, it needs to be studied with the idea of putting what it says into action in practical ways. The value of meditation is determined by the obedience which produces results in daily living.

These three steps are a formula for success in God’s eyes.  No matter what you do or where you are you can be confident that you are a success if you regularly expose yourself to the Word of God, meditate on it, and practically apply it every day.

Promises of God

In the Bible, at the end of the reign of Joshua, the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel were called together and reminded what God had done for them over the years.  One recap Joshua gives points to the promises that God had made to them.  He said: “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed” (Joshua 23:14).

 

Many of the promises from God that are contained in the Bible are not only for Israel but also for us.  So, from time to time, we need to be reminded of what Joshua said to the leaders of Israel.  When God promises something, we can be assured that it will come to pass.  We can also be confident that God will do exactly what He says He will do.  Notice the following comments that are reflected from Joshua’s reminder:

 

1)      We can know the promises of God.  The words “You know” suggests that God has been faithful in the past and those who trust in Him can understand and have complete confidence in what God says and does.

2)      God’s promises are always great.  If one were to characterize the promises of God, they can be done so under the word “good.”  This means that the promises are not only excellent, but they are something to be desired.

3)      God’s promises are always successful.  Regarding the promises “not one … has failed.” In other words, each promise has been effective to accomplish what God intended.

4)      Promises that God makes always come to pass.  The text says that the promises God has made have been “fulfilled.”  In every situation they can be counted on to be completed.

5)      God’s promises never stop working.  His promises have not “failed”, nor will they ever fail.  There is no time that God’s promises will not come to fruition.  They will always turn out positively.

Here are a few of the promises that God has made.

1)      God is faithful to you – “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Corinthians 1:9).

2)      God is present with you – “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

3)      God abundantly provides for you – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

4)      God gives guidance to you – “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

5)      God protects you – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (II Thessalonians 3:3).

In what promise of God are you resting in today?  Remember, God is faithful, and you can have complete confidence in the promises that He makes.