WISDOM FOR WINNING: success
Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
What is Success to you? Thousands of people have misunderstood success and prosperity. Some people live in todays world thinking that it is wrong to be prosperous and successful. Some people teach against it. God meant for us to be successful (Josh 1:8).
When
you say the word success, most of the time people interpret success as
having a big fine house, driving a luxury car, plenty of clothes, lots
of jewelry, yachts etc... It is possible to have these possessions and
be unsuccessful. It is also possible to have these possessions and be
miserable. Having a lot of possessions does not make a person
successful. It is a craving that never goes away. Because, once you get
what you want, you are wanting something else. It goes on and on and
on. It is a fleeting high.
Some people define success and achieving goals they have set for themselves. But only this is fleeting. People can reach their goals and still not find satisfaction or happiness. Because once they reach that goal, their inner person tells them they have got to set another one. It goes on and on and on. I have been there and done that. I never was satisfied.
Then if success in not measured in terms of possessions, popularity, and attainments, or performance, then how can it be defined. Well only for the believer can it be defined as knowing and attaining God's goals for your life. A successful life is one that is happy. There are a lot of people who say they are happy, act like they are happy, talk like they are happy, think they are happy, but they are not even remotely happy.
Someone once
defined success as: " Success is not merely getting what you want, but
wanting what you got after you get it". I have told people "be careful
of what you ask for, you just might get it). Success is the journey.
Success is the
enjoyment of today, NOW. God has an assignment and a schedule for
you. That will be your success when you find it. Now I know success
does mean different things to different people, depending on where they
are with God. A baby needs baby things. A toddler needs toddler
things. A young teen needs young teen things. A grown teen needs grown
teen things. An adult needs adult things. We are all on a different
maturity schedule when it comes to the things God has plans for us in
achieving his goals. God has goals for each one of us, in each area of
our life. They are emotionally, financially, physically, socially, and
spiritually.
So, success is the achievement of the goals God has for you?
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Seek what makes you emotionally successful. Would it be a better attitude?
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Seek what makes you financially successful. Would it be saving more and spending less?
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Seek what makes you physically successful. Would it be exercising more?
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Seek what makes you socially successful. To have friends, you have to be friendly.
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Seek what makes you spiritually successful. Would it be reading, studying and talking to God more?
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You will have hurdles to over come if you want to be successful.
1) An unteachable
Spirit. If you are unwilling to change due to new and vital information
as it becomes
available to you. Most people adapt to new policies
procedures, and products
to keep them informed of the ever changing world in which we live in.
If you are successful you are changing and growing. "My people are
destroyed for their lack of knowledge" (Hos 4:6). There are two sources
of learning: wisdom and experience. Books, CDs, TV, tapes,
magazines, computer, school etc... can get you what you need. There was
a TV commercial along time ago that said, "A mind is a terrible thing to
waste".
2) Unforgiveness. Forgiveness is not a suggestion. It is a command and a requirement. "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in Heaven will forgive your trespasses" (Mk 11:25,26). God is the judge, not you. When you let go of feeling you have to do the payback, it generally backfires on you. Let Gods punishment and judgment be upon them. I have seen God punish people for their wrong against me, and I am here to tell you he does it better, harder, stronger than I could have ever dreamed. When God gives the whippings, believe me, they are whopped! Just pray for them. That is all God asks us to do.
3) Wrong associations. Don't hang out with the wrong crowd. Solomon said it plain and clear, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" (Pro. 13:20). Disconnect from people who abuse and misuse your abilities, wisdom, values, and time. Some "Qualities" of wise associations are: Associate with people who speak words that build up your faith, confidence, hopes, and dreams. Associate with people who celebrate your presence. Associate with people who are in the same league you are in. (Meaning on your level of mentality that you want to live in. Don't waste your time on losers)
4) Unrestrained tongue. Words are tools. They can build up, or tear down. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Pro. 18:21).
5) Undeveloped
talents. Winners are people who have discovered their special gifts and
abilities. Our gifts and talents differ. " We have different
gifts,..." (Rom. 12:6).
You
have to eventually ask your self, what do I want to do? What do I like?
What do I hate to do? What motivates me? What would I love to do, even
if I didn't get paid a lot of money for it? What do I get the greatest
fulfillment from? Am I an encourager, teacher, server, organizer,
leader etc...?
6) Uncommitted. The sooner you have a made up mind, the better off you will be. Get involved in something that is bigger than yourself. Don't be double-minded.