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The word success can be described as an act of succeeding, obtaining favorable results or the attainment of what is desired or intended. For example, money, material possession, love, or what ever makes one’s heart contented can be perceived as a level of success. Though success is an aspired goal for many with the mindset that it brings contentment to life on earth, its measure varies from one individual to another, therefore creating a cross section of people in the world, classified as the rich, not so rich and the poor.
The word “success” in this article will be categorized in two forms, from a spiritual perspective and a worldly perspective. Though both accomplishments may amount to the same thing where success is concerned. The distinct difference is, from a worldly perspective, some of the mechanisms in place to gain such a success is, inheritance, education, hard work, gambling and by criminal means. However, with regards to spiritual success, this is accomplished through faith in God, and keeping his commandments. The Bible verse attributed to this way of success is found in Matthew chapter 6 verses 33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Living a successful life is a continuing process with a harsh reality being, it requires maintenance with every accomplishment one achieves. From a world stand point; homes must be maintained, keeping pace on a job, managing a business, the raising of children and the paying of bills. From a spiritual standpoint, as a Christian one must continue to study the Word of God, keep the faith and live by His commandments daily. There is no easy way out with being successful in life; either you maintain it or you loose it. Many persons choose to stay average on both sides to avoid what is commonly known as stress or the fear of venturing into the spiritually unknown. Consequently living contented in a state of mediocrity.
Each aspect of success mentioned is attainable to the highest level for all who seek this pathway in life. However it is up to the individual as to how much sacrifice he/she is willing to make to achieve such success. There is a question that remains in the mind of many. Is success worth it? King Solomon, through his wisdom and riches negates the thought of his worldly success and accomplishments in this manner in Ecclesiastes chapter 2 verses 18-19, “Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? Yet shall he have ruled over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.” Though the Bible says we are to leave an inheritance for our children, we are to be careful in the way success is pursued and managed in our lives.
There is nothing wrong with being successful especially if it is earned honestly and through hard work. But when a man/woman who is endowed with worldly success, idolize in their wealth, it is extremely difficult for them to follow Christ. St. Luke chapter 16 verse 13 states, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Wealth regarded as source of evil).
Matthew chapter 19 verses 21-24, also shows where a successful young man found it difficult to sell his worldly possession and give to the poor to follow Jesus. This is why Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
As we who are able, continue in our quest for success, worldly or spiritually, remember that the poor will always be with us. Therefore whatever successful state one may find him/her self in, mercy is to be shown to the less fortunate among us. For those who are Christians, the Bible teaches that we are all our brothers’ keeper and that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Remember the story of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man mentioned in St. Luke chapter 16 verses 19-31. Both men lived and died, but because of their life living on earth, Lazarus was carried by an angle into Abraham’s bosom. The rich man went to hell lifting up his eyes in torment. One must be careful in life on earth, for there is life after death.
Roderick R. Mckenzie
Roddie30@hotmail.com
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Roderick R. Mckenzie Sr.
I am a writer in Nassau, Bahamas and I feel that my work is good enough to go to the world market. To the world, my writing may seem to be secular and opinionated but, all of my work is divinely inspired by God with Biblical references to prove it. My goal is to teach as many people about Christianity as possible. As a freelance writer I would also like some exposure to the writing market and a possible job as a Christian writer on the Internet.
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