Don’t jump the gun!

Success Steps

We all want to be successful and fulfilled in life. In fact, many would do almost anything in a bid to become successful in life. They want success at all costs. There are people who consider themselves failures, and constantly feel like giving up as they are convinced that they can never be successful. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – just because your horse is in the lead now, doesn’t mean he will be by the end of the race. There is such a thing as "godly success". 

Our society has a wrong definition of success and fulfillment in life. Many have equated success in life with riches and wealth. Some look for success in status, power and position. In Luke 12:15, Jesus said that a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. This therefore means that material possessions have nothing to do with being successful (although one can hardly separate material wealth and success, but still, it is not the substance or measure of a successful life). We remember the story of the mother of James and John (Jesus’ disciples) who came to Jesus with a request: “She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.’ But Jesus answered and said, ‘You do not know what you ask’” (Matthew 20:21–22). Here, Jesus shared an indispensable key to true success. He said "Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave" (Matthew 20:25–28).  A true servant is the greatest - the one who truly cares for and helps others. So you see, a successful life is one that has helped others give meaning to their lives. It is wrapped up in these three words; service, sacrifice and love. And are the measures of true success irrespective of the position you occupy.

God wants us to learn godly values and true knowledge (the knowledge of God and His Word). You know, unless we practice genuine humility, then the material knowledge we'd gained may lead to intellectual vanity. That is a feeling of superiority and even arrogance. Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:1 called it "Knowledge puffs up" (to bear themselves loftily and be proud).

Success begins with God, our maker. It is necessary that we understand this point. Don’t jump the gun! Follow the due processes or steps. You cannot help others acquire life if you don't have life yourself. You must be linked with the source of life. You can do this by becoming born-again. Then you sure will have to follow His directions for your life according to "the blueprint". Dr Ekhator Elijah once said that God has a blueprint for every life - no one is empty. Every one of us is packaged specially to accomplish something on earth. The knowledge and application of God’s Word in your life will train and refine you. It will change your mindset, and then you'll realize that no one has ever been successful by showing how small or unfulfilled others are. It will help you not to compete unnecessarily and ensures that you are not perturbed by other people's success. You become content with who God has made you become. It is actually the realization and acknowledgement that you've satisfied your maker that brings fulfillment in life.

True success comes at a price, don't jump the gun! It may not be the kind of price you'd expected and it may not come the easy way but it is guaranteed to be the only way to real success!

You can achieve success. Yes you! Don't jump the gun! It is not by our ability but through the power of the Holy Ghost, we can live truly happy, productive and successful lives, and also helping others into the family of God (the Kingdom of God). Apostle Paul stated in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” True success comes only through Jesus - the Savior of the world.

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