How you live makes a difference.
I was recently reminded of my almost one year working for W. Clement Stone’s Combined Insurance Co. selling disability insurance. Mr. Stone believed that you can accomplish anything you wish that is not contradictory to the laws of God and man, providing you are willing to pay the price. I spent two weeks of indoctrination listening to all things were possible in preparation for beginning as an insurance agent.

Fortunately, I did well but it was not a good fit. It was all cold calling and that is not my thing. That’s when I went on the management training program for Montgomery Ward. But the experience with Combine Insurance and studying the Bible taught me to be willing to pay the price in other jobs. The Bible emphasized that I worked for God in every job, regardless who was or wasn’t watching.

Some of the things I learned were to establish goals, being meticulous about small things, accept blame when a mistake is made and never blame others, encourage everyone and never give up. God put me on earth at this specific time in history for a purpose. It was not to be a parasite on society but to make a difference in those surrounding me by being an example for Him. I could become a taker or be a giver. If you have the capability, it’s best to chose being a giver! God will be more pleased and my chance for success even greater.

I previously wrote the following: Are we enjoying life like Christ intended? As Christians shouldn’t we be living an extra-ordinary life style? God created an ugly old worm, called a caterpillar that crawls along the ground with all kinds of obstacles blocking its way.

After a time, this worm is instantaneously transformed into an insect called a butterfly, which is one of the most graceful and beautiful of all insects. What kind of life are we living, like the caterpillar or the butterfly? As a result of sin and our self-centered nature, we were born ‘caterpillar-like’. But Christ came to offer us a ‘butterfly-like’ life. If God can transform a caterpillar into a butterfly, can’t He transform a sinner into one of His children? The Bible says God will bring our life into a new dimension. (“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” II Corinthians 5:17). As a caterpillar, I face death. As a butterfly, the Spirit has set me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

Each of us is made differently. Some were created with certain abilities, some handicapped and most of us average. God didn’t say let’s create another human today and watch them fail. He had the knowledge and ability to put the universe together; and He knew everyone of us prior to our birth. Then can’t He give each one of us a plan and purpose for our lives with the abilities to be successful in whatever we do? However, Satan is not pleased when Christians do things out of the ordinary. Have you been told you will not amount to much? That doesn’t come from God.

I found the American dream was available to those who realized that it won’t be given to them; it had to be earned. I received a degree in business management. I read many books on the power of positive thinking. I studied management principles and went to numerous seminars to improve my skills. The one book that has helped me the most is studying the Bible. One thing I learned was preparation. It was one key to success. I also learned the importance of trusting in God’s promises. I became aware that the Holy Spirit was given to us that we might have comfort, guidance and to help us with our purpose in life. The Bible taught me to become free from the ways of society and our worldly, self-centered nature and become more Christ-centered and minded.

How many people are willing to prepare for success? It seems there are many that want to dumb-down Americans, give them entitlements and convince them the government will meet their needs. You may not need an education but you must become knowledgeable with a good attitude.

As God is watching and the Holy Spirit guiding, why not begin believing and practicing what it takes to be a success in whatever task you have chosen? Work hard, set obtainable goals and adequately prepare. Then see where the Holy Spirit leads you. Never allow the devil or others to discourage you as they are likely to do. God’s promise that we can become successful and prosperous by complying with His teachings is available to all believers.

Every one of us has a worldly nature and a spiritual nature. The two natures are in conflict with each other because the worldly nature is self-serving and the spiritual nature is God-serving. Therefore, the condition of our spiritual heart determines the kinds of decisions we make. Business decisions, job decisions, family decisions and personal decisions are all affected by our true nature or heart.

Countless Scriptures make the point that spiritual health is a direct outgrowth of our spiritual natures winning the conflict taking place within us. Galatians 5:17 – “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.”

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Put God first and focus on Christ. Get your mind off how bad things are and think of how much better the future will be. Be continually reminded that the Holy Spirit is with us to guide us through each experience. God will not allow us to have more than we can handle unless you are disobedient to His ways.