The Pathway to Success

Hard Work: The Foundation of Success

The scripture outlines a comprehensive list of blessings available to those who work hard. Similarly, 2 Peter 1:10 advises believers to give diligence to their calling, asserting that success in any area be it career, business, or marriage requires consistent and focused effort.

Proverbs 22:29 reinforces this idea, stating, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” This verse underscores the value of diligence and hard work, suggesting that those who labour diligently will achieve high positions and recognition. Furthermore, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 admonishes that those who do not work should not eat, linking sustenance and survival to industriousness.

Hard work is essential, but it must be balanced with the recognition that “favor is better than labor.” Divine favor can amplify the efforts of a diligent person, leading to extraordinary outcomes. Thus, while hard work lays the foundation, seeking God’s favor is equally crucial for achieving lasting success.

Discipline: The Sustainer of Success

Discipline is the cornerstone that sustains success. Without it, even the most successful individuals can fall. The story of Samson serves as a cautionary tale of how indiscipline can lead to downfall. Romans 8:2 discusses the two governing laws: the law of the Spirit of life in Christ and the law of sin and death. Believers are expected to live by the former, which leads to life and success, while the latter, associated with unbelievers, leads to death and failure.

Choosing the law of the Spirit of life in Christ requires discipline. This involves adhering to God’s commandments, maintaining moral integrity, and avoiding the pitfalls of sin. Discipline ensures that success is not fleeting but enduring. Those who lack discipline, regardless of their initial success, risk becoming “former big men or women,” as their indiscipline eventually leads to their downfall.

Three Sources of Riches

The Bible identifies three sources of riches: natural riches, demonic riches, and divine riches. Each source has distinct characteristics and consequences.

1. Natural Riches: These are acquired through human effort and hard work. While even unbelievers can achieve natural success through diligence, their wealth is subject to the natural laws of decay and misfortune. Proverbs 10:22 notes that wealth acquired through human effort alone is not secure, as it often comes with sorrow and instability.
2. Demonic Riches: This wealth is gained through nefarious means such as theft and murder. It is rooted in evil and comes at the cost of one’s soul. Jeremiah 17:11 warns that such riches are fleeting and leave their owners in the midst of their days, highlighting the peril of pursuing success through unethical means.
3. Divine Riches: True success comes from divine riches, which are sourced in God and governed by the law of life. Job 22:21-30 describes the security and abundance that come from divine riches. Verse 24-25 promises that those who align with God will “lay up gold as dust” and enjoy divine protection. Divine riches are not only abundant but also secure, free from the threats of sickness and misfortune, and have eternal value as described in Philippians 4:17.

Conclusion

Success, according to biblical principles, is a multifaceted journey that requires hard work, discipline, and a reliance on divine provision. Hard work lays the groundwork, discipline ensures sustainability, and divine favour amplifies efforts and secures lasting success. By adhering to these principles and seeking divine riches, believers can achieve a level of success that is not only abundant but also enduring and secure.

As Luke 12:32-35 advises, believers should seek the riches that are safeguarded by God, where neither moth nor thief can destroy. By lifting up their hands in prayer and asking for divine riches, they align themselves with God’s promises of success. Ultimately, true success is rooted in a harmonious relationship with God, adherence to His laws, and the diligent pursuit of His blessings.