How Do We Become Successful? Essay, Research Paper

Franklin E. Shoemaker 853

2770 Shannin Drive (Copyright 2000 by Franklin E. Shoemaker)

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HOW DO WE BECOME SUCCESSFUL?

By

Franklin ?Ed? Shoemaker

Joshua 1:7-8.

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

INTRODUCTION:

What is Success? That question if asked of each one of you individually, the response would be as different as there are people here. The reason is that success to one would be total failure to someone else. Let us see if we can determine what true success might be.

I. DEFINITION OF SUCCESS.

A. Negative: that which the world would claim as being successful in the end comes to naught. Think about this! How many funeral processions have you seen a U-Haul truck in?

1. Being the Chief Executive Officer of an Organization or Corporation? That can slip away so quickly.

2. Being a Congressman or State Representative? How many politicians do you know that you really believe?

3. Being a School Board member, County Commissioner or the hotshot Jock at High School or College? All these titles slip away and are soon forgotten.

4. Does being financially secure give you peace? I have read more about those being rich worrying themselves to death afraid that someone might steal it.

5. Owning your own home, having a nice car, a good paying job, or a closet full of clothes, do these define success?

Fact is that many of the above mentioned are the very things that destroy the foundation of true success. These are the cause for many homes to turn to houses and what should be a haven turn to a battlefield.

B. Positive: that which can only come from GOD. In our text, we find the word success. In the King James Version this is the only time, the word is found. True, the principle is found throughout the Word of GOD, but this is the only time it is used in the KJV.

1. In verse 7, we are told to be strong. I understand that for ?I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? (Philippians 4:13).

2. I am also told in the same verse to be courageous. Of whom should I fear? Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If GOD is for us, who can be against us?

3. By being strong and courageous, I will be able to meditate on God?s Word.

a. To meditate means to focus one?s thoughts on, reflect or ponder over; to plan or project in the mind.

b. Philippians 2:5: ?Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.?

II. SUCCESS IS USING ALL THE RESOURCES THAT GOD HAS MADE AVAILABLE TO US.

A. There was a time in my life that I was dead in trespasses and sin.

B. At the age of 14, I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and was born again or from above. I was even baptized. Though, the years I have gone to Church and did all the traditional things that one is supposed to do. I was being fed, but did not realize until about a year ago that it was the milk and honey of the Word I had been receiving.

C. About a year ago, I found a small church near our home in Florida where the word of GOD is preached and taught. For the first time in my walk with the Lord, I began to understand the deeper truths of which the apostle Paul spoke.

D. I know that GOD has made the provisions necessary for any child of GOD to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The desire of my Life today, is for Christ Jesus to live out His life through me. Therefore, I have again followed the Lord in believers Baptism, but with a renewed reason and understanding.

As with any story of success, the truth of the final outcome will not come unto the BEMA, Judgement Seat of Christ. There all that which I have done will come to the forefront and be tested by fire, (1 Corinthians 3:11). It is at that time my desire and goal is to hear that, WELL-DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, ENTER INTO THE JOY OF THE LORD. Therefore, the life I now live is for His Honor and Glory. For you see today is the 1st day of the rest of my life for that is all there is and that is today. Think about it, be strong in the Lord, courageous, and meditate upon those things which he has said. Let His success become your Success.

THE END