I should be saying something kind of "Christmas-ey." So, I'm not going to.
Recently a good friend was challenged by the idea of success. So I have thought, about that...a lot.
What really makes us successful?
Let’s talk about the world’s view of success compared to God’s view.
According to the dictionary success is "… the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors, the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or stuff like that". -- This definition of success is based on tangible things and what other people think of you. (O.K. I added the "stuff like that part.")
However, there is a path to success that is TRUE and FOUNDED upon God’s word.
1 Kings 2:3 (NIV)
3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: (1) Walk in obedience to him, and (2) keep his decrees and commands, (3) his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go
Success for the believer is based on the Word and not attempts at gaining worldly popularity or material gain.
When you grasp the first three principles of success, a fourth principle becomes obvious. If we read 1 Kings 3 - you discover what God adds. God asked Solomon, “What do you want?” And Solomon requested wisdom.
To be a successful Christian, we need to keep three points in focus — what to eliminate, what to retain, what to evaluate — if we do that God will add a measure that will allow us to be successful with excellence.
In 1 Kings 2, Solomon had already shown wisdom. This is an example of spiritual giftedness being used as natural ability.
Spiritual ability and sensitivity is what the Holy Spirit gives beyond our natural ability. So ... Solomon gets to use his natural wisdom in 1 Kings 2, and his faithfulness results in the giving of supernatural wisdom in 1 Kings 3.
Once you've been as fair as you know how, let God direct what comes next. The ultimate discernment for what you should be doing lies with God and the wisdom He provides to us all...that is true success!
Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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.
Hey friends...let go, - Let God - and you will always be a success! Can I get an amen?
...and I am just sayin'...
- Kelly
