We former procrastinators are alert to ideas that will genuinely help us do what needs doing when it needs doing – work, play, or rest – so we enjoy that freedom God has for us. We’ve learned we can imprison ourselves through our own choices. We’re learning to choose freedom from being overwhelmed, confused, constantly tired, behind.
Sometimes help comes through books, programs, DVD’s that are not Christian productions – yet they contain biblical truth. As we use such resources (and Christian ones too), we want to be careful to put them through the filter of God’s Word. We keep what is of Him and discard the rest. We pray for discernment and the mind of Christ before we even begin. Then we can glean His truth from these resources. It’s exciting for me to read along and suddenly, “Oh! This is how to redeem the time!” or, “This is how to repent!” I’m grateful for God’s instruction through many avenues.
Last month we looked at The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. That’s one of many books some will use to “climb the ladder of success.” Some will find they have “propped their ladders against the wrong wall.” Some walls will burn. It does matter in the eyes of the Lord what our motivations and goals are.
We can prop our ladders against the foundations of God’s Word and His direction for our lives. As He transforms us, we develop motivations and goals that are of Him. God wants us to succeed at what He directs. Sometimes we perceive success, sometimes not. God’s definition of success could look downright strange to us. His thoughts and ways are higher and greater than ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9) We have to trust Him.
So – I used the word “success.” I’ve been reluctant to do that because I don’t want you to think I endorse all the self-help and motivational stuff that’s out there. I certainly do not. I want my ladder and yours to be propped on the foundation of God’s Word and His direction. But I realize I have the freedom to use a perfectly good word. We succeed with a new recipe, we have a successful interview, we succeed in memorizing a scripture passage. Jesus succeeded in accomplishing His Father’s will for Him on earth. God gave Joshua instructions saying, “and then you will have good success.”
Merriam Webster says to succeed is “to obtain a desired object or end.” Desiring certain ends may come with our jobs as spouses, parents, employees, employers, friends. Others are particular things God plants in our hearts. We should seek to succeed at them – while trusting God for His evaluation.
The compound effect is a principle God established. Used under God, it’s how we learn, grow, succeed. We can understand and cooperate with it to enrich our lives in Christ and glorify Him. Be encouraged that faithfully doing the God-directed thing over and over will have great reward.
To your success!
What is God’s perspective on your efforts?
Leave a Reply