Success according to the world may be defined as achieving certain material goals. The Bible defines success differently. God says success is adequately preparing for eternal life. It is very clear, the Bible says to be successful in the world and in planning for eternity, it takes both faith and confidence and the power of the Holy Spirit within.

Faith comes from the basis of a spiritual life and living that spiritual life. To understand what God had intended when He put the Holy Spirit into the life of a believer, was to see that person completely change from who they were to how they are to live in the future. The Bible gives us numerous examples of people prior to receiving the Holy Spirit and the changes that took place afterwards. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Shouldn’t we expect to become more confident when we have been given power from God’s Spirit?

Are you not aware that when non-believers see you they are supposed to see Christ in you? That means they should see a very positive person. If they don’t, isn’t it time to take inventory as to why you are more negative?

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 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 the key to success both in the world and in preparing for eternity. I 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 a purpose in life. The Bible taught me to become free from the ways of society and our worldly, self-centered nature.

Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

I found a number of things that I could do to receive God’s blessings. First I had to trust God through giving. Next, I found that preparation and trusting God was the key to success, it changed everything. I have used the illustration that professional basketball players often would shoot five hundred baskets a day, every day, to become proficient and successful. Success is not something that is usually given to you it must be earned. The key may be to know what must be done to earn it.

Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” I heard a sermon on Ephesians 6:5 – 9 and it changed how I worked. I have changed what Scripture says: Employees, obey your earthly bosses with respect and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as employees of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do. And bosses, treat your employees in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
As Christians we are to be different from the world. We are to be obedient, cheerful and loyal wherever we work. We are to do our best by being dutiful, polite and dependable.

Employers can easily see the difference between excellent employees and so-so employees. Guess who got the raises, the promotions and success?

We should not have to stand in fear and trembling before anyone other than God. The Christian employee must not be afraid of their superiors but afraid of disobeying the Lord. If he/she does not show total respect for his/her employer, be afraid of disobeying our Lord Who helps us toward becoming successful. Paul says we are not to do our best only when we are being watched but remember God is watching every second through the Holy Spirit that is within us.

You may work for someone who never gives you recognition, reward, promotion or praise. But remember that will come when we get to heaven. The Lord’s payday doesn’t come at the end of the week, month or year. But it will come, if you work as Scripture teaches. We often only think about the here and now but our treasures are being stored up in heaven.

If you are a supervisor, realize that God is not impressed with a person’s position. He is only interested in what that person does in that position. Don’t think that God doesn’t notice when one abuses their position or causes injustices to be done. The Lord always knows what is going on. The day will come when He will come, when He squares up all accounts. God will have the last word.

I believe those possessing the fruits of the Spirit have a better chance of being successful than those who are not. The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22 – 23

When a person lives the life of the Spirit, an individual is truly different. The fruit as described above is an outward expression of Christ living inside that person. Everyone having the Holy Spirit can and should receive these fruits. They don’t seem to grow adequately unless we are willing to die out to our self-centered worldly nature. This is difficult for many people as repenting or changing life’s direction can be a struggle also. Old habits are often difficult to break. Changing one’s previous worldly comfort zone is like dieting to an obese person. Dieing out to our old nature is not easy and requires surrendering that people with strong, controlling personality find difficult to give up and give in to living by Christ’s ways.

It may start with a trust factor in not believing God really has a purpose or plan for them. To fulfill that purpose usually requires a change in thinking, a renewing of one’s mind that is open to new concepts. A person unwilling to change direction may block the working of the Holy Spirit and find success nearly impossible. Christ will allow a believer moral agency to make their own choices and usually will not overrule that decision. Choices we make without the Holy Spirit’s guidance may not come from heavenly wisdom but from one’s knowledge. We must have the faith to believe that God wants us to succeed. We then must find something we enjoy and have a passion to pursue and then prepare for success.

Set goals and make a plan to achieve them. Work hard and be tenacious. It probably will require thinking differently. Learn to communicate and motivate others. Don’t ever be afraid to fail. Be honest and accept responsibility. Be a humble leader, be kind and have self-control over one’s emotions.