Success (part 4)

This week I’ve been writing about success and the helpful steps we can all take, in order to be successful and fulfill the calling we have. While the world views success as what we achieve, how much money we make, what possessions we attain, or how attractive we are, the Bible tells us something different. While I personally believe that there is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of our labor and having nice things, the Bible urges us to reach for spiritual wealth. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20).” The world looks at material gain as the means to happiness, but true joy and peace can only come from having an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In order to have a genuinely successful life where we fulfill our true calling, we need to be willing to take certain steps to get there. We need to look through spiritual eyes, in order to remain on the right path. What steps do you need to take? First, give your life to Christ. This is the most important decision you will ever make. Only with Jesus can we be forgiven of our sins, have eternal life, and direct access to God. Second, truly follow Christ by obeying His commands. Believing in Jesus and following Him are two different things. Keep in mind that Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 7:21).” Third, open your heart and listen to God’s voice. It’s important that we realize that prayer is a two way street. God wants to talk to you and reveal His will and plan for your life. Next, take actions necessary to live the life that God is calling you to live, no matter what you have to do. This may be as easy as joining a prayer group or as difficult as traveling to a third world country. The important thing is that you get out of your comfort zone.

After we have made the decision to give our lives to Christ, have begun to follow Him, have tuned our ears to hear His voice, as well as taken actions to fulfill the call God has placed on our lives, we need support. Another important step in achieving success and fulfilling your calling is to get in community with other believers. In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Even though all that He had created was good, He knew that Adam needed a partner in this life. Just like Adam, we need support, love, and fellowship. We were created to be in community with others. When we have people in our lives who are there for us, as we are there for them, then we are sharpened and grow, just as we help them to grow and be sharpened. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

The first thing to do, in order to get in community with other believers is to find a church home where you can grow spiritually, serve, and be in fellowship. Research the church before you attend, and use the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, in order to determine what church becomes your home church. Make sure that the church you attend teaches Biblically sound doctrine. Ask yourselves important questions like, “Does the church believe that there is a heaven and a hell? Does the church believe that there is only one Way to God and salvation, which is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6)? Does the church believe that the Bible is the Word of God, written under divine inspiration? Does the church believe in the Holy Trinity? Does the church believe in the gifts of the Spirit?” There are so many question’s that you should ask, when you consider which church to join. Some denominations are very religious, but this is not what we should be looking for. Christianity is about having a personal relationship with God, not having a religion. Be careful that you don’t join a church that is legalistic or twists verses in the Bible, in order to keep people in bondage, and be careful that you don’t join a church where the gifts and power of God are limited (i.e. speaking in tongues, healing, authority in Christ, etc.). Beware that you aren’t being reeled in to new age/ false doctrine, as well. If any person or group is telling you that there are multiple way’s to God or that they have a new doctrine for you that will achieve enlightenment or that you yourself can work your way to heaven, run for the hills. This is what is known as a cult.

After you have found a church home, get involved. Use the gifts and talents that God has given you, in order to help others, serve others, and bring glory to God. When we get involved at our church home, not only will we experience community, but we will often begin to experience what God is calling us to do (if we haven’t already). Some people find their calling in volunteer ministry at their church, while others find their calling working on staff for their church. Some people branch out and become pastors for their church, while others branch out and start their own church where they are the senior pastor. Some people feel called to the mission field, while some feel called to do outreach in their city, state or country. Some people find their calling as a husband and father, wife and mother, Bible teacher, preacher, worship leader, or charity worker. There are so many beautiful areas of ministry, because Jesus is the Lord over all of them. Use your gifts and talents in your church home, and see what God reveals to you through your experiences. More than likely, God will ask you to do more than serve only within your church, but starting within those four walls is a great place to begin your journey.

After you have found a church home where you are able to get in community, other opportunities will arrive where you will be able to find and build godly relationships. Don’t forget that getting in community doesn’t happen only at church. You can join a Christian organization, volunteer for a charity, join a local group of godly men or women, become a part of a Bible study or start your own home group, or research Christian group’s and organization’s on the internet. Expand your horizons. Sometimes our lives get hectic or busy, but if you want to have quality relationships in your life, then you have to take the time to make them. Also, don’t forget the most important community of all, which is your family! Make quality time for your wife or husband, for your children, and for your extended family. Your family needs to be your top priority, after God. Don’t put anything before them. Our families need to be places of safety, encouragement, support, and love, and it is within them that we will grow and help others grow.

There are several steps that you can take, in order to be successful and fulfill your true calling. Give your life to Christ, truly follow Christ by obeying His commands, open your heart and listen to God’s voice, take actions necessary to live the life that God is calling you to live, and get in community. Remember to be patient and to enjoy every season of your life. Although you may be called somewhere specific, change is a natural part of life, so be willing to be flexible. If you find yourself stuck in a rut, not knowing what to do with your life, even though you have taken all of these steps, then take time out to fast and pray. Ask God to show you what His will and plan is for you. God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), no matter how young or old you are, and no matter what season you are in. Stay in faith! You are His child, and He will always take care of His own.