What does God say about success?

Prioritizing spiritual prosperity

By Shawn Buckles

Redefine success through God's eyes: prioritize spiritual growth, obedience, and humility over worldly gains. True success stems from your relationship with the Divine.

God values obedience, faithfulness, and righteousness over worldly success. Scriptures like Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3 suggest success comes from living according to God’s law, implying true success is spiritual and moral, not just material or worldly achievements.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Summary

  • Success in the Bible is associated with spiritual growth and obedience to God.
  • Trusting in God is central to achieving biblical success.
  • Biblical success goes beyond material gains, focusing on humility and service.

God mentions success in the following books:

  • The Purpose Driven Life (2002): Rick Warren delves into understanding God's plan for personal success, emphasizing living a life that fulfills God's purposes as the true measure of success.

  • God is My Success: Transforming Adversity into Your Destiny (2007): Larry Julian explores how aligning one's career and personal endeavors with God's will leads to true success, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in God through challenges.

  • Success God's Way (2000): Charles Stanley offers insight into achieving success by adhering to biblical principles, emphasizing that success comes from serving others and living a life that honors God.

  • The Success Principles for Teens (2008): Jack Canfield and Kent Healy apply biblical principles to guide teens towards achieving their dreams and goals, stressing the importance of faith, integrity, and humility.

  • Divine Direction: 7 Decisions That Will Change Your Life (2017): Craig Groeschel discusses how making decisions based on biblical wisdom can lead to a successful and fulfilling life, focusing on obedience to God and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Understanding Success in a Biblical Context

In the Biblical perspective, success isn't measured by material wealth or personal achievements, but rather by one's faithfulness to God's teachings and commandments. The scripture provides guidance and a clear understanding of what constitutes true success in the eyes of the Lord.

Defining Success Through Scripture

The Bible presents success as a result of adhering to God’s laws and principles.

In the book of Joshua, the formula for success is given clearly: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night… then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

Success, therefore, correlates with consistent meditation on scripture and obedience to the Law of the Lord.

Another key verse is found in Psalms, describing a person who delights in the law of the Lord as a “tree planted by streams of water,” which implies stability and flourishing (Psalm 1:2-3).

The Role of Faith and Trust

Faith and trust are foundational to Biblical success. It’s not merely about adherence to a set of rules, but about a heartfelt relationship with the Creator.

Proverbs 16:3 encourages believers to “commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established”.

Trusting in God involves remembering His sovereignty and goodness, as stated in Deuteronomy, "You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth..." (Deuteronomy 8:18).

These verses emphasize that success stems from the Lord’s blessing upon one's life.

The interaction between faith, love, and trust in God underpins a covenantal relationship that is designed to guide one to true prosperity, which is ultimately about fulfilling God’s purpose.

The Fruit of Obedience and Righteousness

The connection between obedience to God and the resulting righteousness is a theme deeply interwoven in Scripture. It underlines the clear link between living according to God's instructions and the blessings that follow.

Blessings for the Righteous

Those who follow God's will and live uprightly often find themselves recipients of God's favor.

Scripture teaches that the righteous, those who obey and observe God's commandments, can expect to experience a variety of blessings.

“The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

This wisdom is not just about knowledge, but also includes health, a joyful heart, and peace.

Prosperity is not only financial but encompasses rich relationships and a fulfilling sense of purpose.

Furthermore, the blessed are typically marked by hope and a steadfast spirit, keeping their eyes on the eternal rather than the temporal.

Consequences for the Wicked

In contrast, those who disregard divine guidance are described as suffering various setbacks and hardships.

The wicked, those living in opposition to God's standards, are often left wanting, facing the stark consequences of their choices.

Scriptures such as “For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous” (Psalms 37:17) illustrate this principle.

Lack of spiritual joy, struggles in their personal and financial possessions, and a pervasive sense of unfulfillment often characterize those who turn away from the path of righteousness.

Thus, observing God's commandments is portrayed not merely as a duty but a pathway to well-being and true success.

The Power of Prayer and God's Will

In pursuing success, individuals often turn to prayer seeking the alignment of their efforts with God's will. This communication with the divine holds the potential to unlock wisdom and discernment, pivotal in achieving true success that resonates with one's faith and purpose.

Seeking Wisdom through Prayer

Prayer is a potent tool for those who seek wisdom in their quest for success.

Biblical figures such as Joseph and King David often prayed for guidance.

For instance, David consistently sought the Lord’s favor through prayer, exhibiting true faith that God would direct his path (Psalms 32:8).

James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."

This scripture suggests that when one prays with belief in God's generosity, they can receive the wisdom and insight necessary for their journey towards success.

Understanding God’s Will for Success

Understanding God's will for one's life can be clarified through earnest prayer.

Jesus Christ encouraged belief in the power of prayer, teaching that whatever is asked for in prayer, and believed in, will be received (Mark 11:24).

The Holy Spirit plays a critical role in prayer by interceding with groans that words cannot express, ensuring the heart's desires align with God's will (Romans 8:26).

When one prays, they not only ask for success but also seek to understand what success means in the context of their God-given gifts and purpose.

The Importance of Humility and Service

In the Christian perspective, success is often measured by one's obedience to God's will, which includes serving others and embracing humility. These principles are not only central to a faithful life but are also seen as pathways to true success as defined by spiritual fulfillment rather than material wealth.

Serving Others as a Path to Success

In the Christian faith, serving others is a direct reflection of Jesus' teachings.

Matthew 23:11 states, "The greatest among you will be your servant."

This idea suggests that success comes not from being served, but in choosing to serve others with love and joy.

Through service, individuals can experience profound satisfaction and purpose, aligning their actions with the will of the Lord.

  • Benefits of Serving:
    • Fosters a sense of community and togetherness.
    • Helps to cultivate a generous spirit.

Embracing Humility

1 Peter 5:5 underscores the value of humility: "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

Embracing humility means recognizing one's dependence on God and acknowledging that all achievements stem from the Father.

It is the understanding that wealth and status do not define success; rather, one's steadfastness in faith and humility in action do.

  • Key Aspects of Humility:
    • Acknowledging the worth of others.
    • Openness to learn and grow spiritually.

The True Measure of Success

When people seek success, they often consider worldly achievements and material possessions. In contrast, Biblical success centers around eternal rewards, grace, and transformation through belief in God.

Earthly Success vs Eternal Rewards

Worldly success is typically measured by power, wealth, and notoriety. Yet, these are often short-lived and can be ephemeral in nature.

In the Christian perspective, true success is not dependent on material accumulation but is found in one's relationship with God and the eternal impact of their actions.

As expressed in John 19:11, any power one has is deemed a gift from God, indicating that divine grace is a key component in understanding success.

Living with an Eternal Perspective

To live with an eternal perspective means to prioritize values and actions that have lasting significance.

Families play a crucial role in this, as investing in one’s family can lead to fruitful and transformative experiences that echo into eternity.

As believers align their lives with God's will, they are transformed by the work of God, promoting a legacy that goes beyond their earthly life to touch on the aspect of eternal life.

It's about striving for God's glory rather than personal accolades.

This eternal viewpoint challenges individuals to live out a faith that believes in something greater than the observable world, fostering success that is not only lasting but also aligned with divine will.

The Path to Prosperity

The religious texts are replete with teachings on what constitutes a prosperous life, urging adherence to divine principles and affirming the availability of divine assistance.

Prosperity, in a biblical sense, goes beyond material wealth, encompassing a well-rounded life that aligns with spiritual tenets.

God’s Promises of Prosperity

In scripture, God’s promise of prosperity often comes with encouragement to live according to his commandments.

For many believers, prosperity is not just about financial abundance but also about spiritual and relational richness.

A highly cited promise can be found in Jeremiah 29:11, where it’s stated, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

This verse is seen not only as assurance but also as a foundational reason for believers to trust in a prosperous future ordained by divine will.

Actions that Lead to Prosperity

Trust and action go hand in hand on the path to prosperity.

Diligence in one's work and obedience to spiritual laws are frequently cited as actions leading to blessings and prosperity.

Specific advice is given in Proverbs 3:5-6, which states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Adherence to this counsel is seen as key to achieving success.

Furthermore, it’s emphasized that meditating on divine principles, such as those encapsulated in the Book of the Law, will lead to one acting wisely and, consequently, to experiencing prosperity.

Wealth, Prosperity, and the Christian Life

In exploring wealth and prosperity within the Christian life, the focus often lies on how biblical teachings guide the faithful in managing and considering their material blessings. These principles offer a framework that encompasses both gratitude for divine provision and responsibility for one’s possessions.

Understanding Biblical Wealth

Biblical wealth isn't merely measured in material terms; it often intertwines with spiritual well-being and the community's benefit.

Scripture recounts that God gives the power to gain wealth, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:18. This is not solely for personal indulgence, but as a tool for fulfilling His covenant.

An example of this divine favor is Joseph, whose prosperity in Egypt was ultimately used to save his family—foreshadowing the blessings throughout generations.

In examining wealth, it is essential to recognize it as part of God's blessings. They are entrusted to individuals for stewardship and to further His kingdom here on earth.

The Right Attitude towards Possessions

The Christian attitude towards possessions should be marked by a balance between appreciating wealth as a blessing and avoiding idolatry of material goods.

Prosperity is viewed as a means to serve others and glorify God, rather than an end in itself.

With possessions, comes the responsibility to act as stewards, ensuring that what one has is used in a way that aligns with God's purpose and pleases Him.

The father figure in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) demonstrates grace and generosity—a blueprint for how Christians might approach their wealth and possessions.

In life's journey, individuals often face hurdles that test their resilience and faith.

The key to overcoming these challenges lies in harnessing inner strength and seeking divine guidance.

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

Everyone encounters fear and anxiety at some point, but they don't have to cripple one's progress.

In the Bible, messages of assurance remind believers to release their anxieties and trust in a higher power.

For instance, Philippians 4:6-7 encourages, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Acknowledging these emotions and surrendering them to God can lead to a serene mind and heart.

Staying Steadfast in Trials

Trials are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth in character and faith.

As one navigates through hardships, maintaining a steadfast spirit is crucial.

The Scripture offers numerous examples, like in Romans 5:3-4, where it is stated, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."

This hope is rooted in God's love and helps believers remain unshaken amidst life's storms.

The Example of Biblical Figures

Biblical narratives offer impactful lessons on success through the lives of revered patriarchs. Their stories underscore the importance of virtues such as faith, obedience, and patience.

Learning from the Life of David

David's rise from a shepherd boy to the king of Israel illustrates the vital role of faith and obedience.

Scripture notes, "David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him" (1 Samuel 18:14).

Despite facing Goliath and being targeted by King Saul, David's unwavering faith and adherence to God's commandments fostered his extraordinary journey.

Joseph's Journey from Pit to Palace

Joseph's life epitomizes patience and perseverance.

Sold into slavery by his own brothers and falsely imprisoned, Joseph maintained his integrity and faith in God's plan.

"The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man" (Genesis 39:2).

The narrative in Genesis 24:40 depicts how reliance on divine guidance rather than personal strength leads to true success.

God's Commandments and Success

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, adherence to God's commandments is often linked with the attainment of success.

Scripture outlines that success comes not from worldly power or glory, but from living in accordance with God's law.

Following God’s Statutes

God’s statutes serve as a guide for living a life that’s grounded in moral and ethical principles.

Joshua 1:8 underscores this, stating, "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

This passage suggests that success is rooted in the continual reflection upon and adherence to God's word.

The Blessings of Obedience

Scripture emphasizes that those who obey God’s commandments will be blessed.

Jeremiah 17:7 reads, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord."

Trust and belief in God's provisions are highlighted as crucial for experiencing God's blessings.

The act of obedience is not solely about following laws; it is also about cultivating a deep trust in God, which is rewarded with success in its truest form.

According to biblical teachings, true prosperity comes from a life aligned with God's will, rather than mere material achievements.

Practical Wisdom from Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs is a treasured guide, imparting knowledge on how to live a successful life aligned with God's will. It stresses the importance of humility, integrity, diligence, and the seeking of wise counsel.

Guidance on Humility and Integrity

Proverbs teaches that humility and integrity are foundations for a prosperous life.

For instance, Proverbs 11:25 highlights, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." This emphasizes the reciprocal nature of generosity and success – one who is giving will themselves be blessed.

Similarly, Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

This underscores the necessity to trust in God as one engages in all endeavors.

Insights on Diligence and Prosperity

The concept of diligence as a path to prosperity is woven throughout Proverbs.

One learns that consistent and faithful hard work, paired with trust in God, leads to material and spiritual rewards.

Proverbs speaks to God providing wisdom for the upright and protecting the faithful, as referenced in Proverbs 2:7, "He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless."

Furthermore, the text counsels the importance of seeking guidance, as in "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22), highlighting the value of diverse counsel in the pursuit of success.

Closing Words

Recapitulation

The Bible offers numerous insights about success, emphasizing that it should be grounded in one's relationship with God.

Scriptures suggest that committing one's work to the Lord leads to established plans (Proverbs 16:3).

Success in the Christian context is less about material achievements and more about fulfilling God's will.

One finds that meditating on the Word allows for a deeper understanding of what it means to succeed in the eyes of the Lord.

This meditative process involves not just reading, but reflecting on the scriptures to discern God's path for an individual.

Invitation for Personal Reflection

Personal reflection is a critical step towards application.

Readers are invited to meditate on scriptures like Philippians 4:13. This verse says, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

This meditation can illuminate how one might take action in their own life in a way that aligns with Christian principles.

Reflecting on Biblical definitions of success can transform one's approach to their goals. This ensures that their actions resonate with their faith and contribute to a meaningful Christian life.

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