I’m curious as to what causes someone to succeed. Is it an inner drive with an unparalleled dedication, determination, and self-motivation? Is it happenstance, luck, being in the right place at the right time? Is it an unwavering faith in the mission that supersedes failures and obstacles that may otherwise deter someone from continuing?
I think that many people can agree that some combination of most, or all, of these attributes and circumstances could contribute to someone's success. But the fact of the matter is, people have found great success in their life, whether it be personal or spiritual, with or without some or most of these things. So the question is, “is there any common denominators?”, and the answer is, yes.
The common denominator for anyone who has found success in any aspect of their life is, and has always been, that they didn’t do it alone. They needed help from others to get there. We were not designed to experience life apart from others, and finding/experiencing success is no different. I love this quote from George Matthew Adams, a successful columnist and founder of a newspaper company:
“There is no such thing as a self-made man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.”
Now of course we can go down the road of personal, financial, and job related success, and apply everything in this article to that, but I want to focus my energy on success in our spiritual lives. In the end, I believe that if we start there then not only will these principles naturally carry over to other areas of our lives but we will also find ourselves more closely following the path God has for us, which is the most rewarding kind of success there is.
PRINCIPLE 1: Ask for Help
Why is it as men that we have such a hard time asking for, and receiving, help from others? It’s probably related to ego and pride honestly.
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
So let's just knock that off. I think as men we feel like we need to have it all figured out and look like we know what we are doing at all times. Some of the most successful people I’ve known, both spiritually and personally, have a clear understanding of their weaknesses and a readiness to ask for help when they need it.
Many times when we are asking God for help in a certain area he will bring people into our lives to help us. The problem is, we can easily miss it because we just want God to fix it and are too embarrassed or prideful to ask others for help.
PRINCIPLE 2: Seek Advice/Council
Similar to asking for help, seeking advice/counsel from others is largely missed by men who are struggling spiritually. Again, we are so caught up trying to look like we have it all figured out that we don’t want to humble ourselves enough to ask for advice in certain areas.
“Without advice plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22
“Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice.”
Proverbs 20:18
And if you haven’t heard, your spiritual journey is a war (see Ephesians 6:12). So having Godly influences in your life to whom you can seek advice and council will go a long way in helping you find spiritual success.
PRINCIPLE 3: Accountability
I know this will be news to everyone (sarcasm detected), we are constantly battling temptation and sin in our lives (see previous blog: Winning the Battle Over Temptation).
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Matthew 26:41
God knows we will be tempted. Scripture even tells us that Jesus understands our weaknesses and was tempted just as we are (Hebrews 4:15), so he gets it. Unfortunately we are not as awesome as Jesus – news flash for some (more sarcasm, sorry, I'll stop now) – who was able to remain sinless in spite of experiencing these same levels of temptation as we do. With that, having someone, or multiple people, who will keep you accountable will go a long way in helping you through your spiritual journey and give you an advantage in overcoming temptation and sin.
Additionally, having others who know your areas of weakness when it comes to temptation and sin and who can pray for you about those things, will only help in winning the war.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16
Lastly,
PRINCIPLE 4: Give and Serve
This is a big one. If we look at Jesus, the most spiritually successful person to ever walk the face of the earth, he says in Mark 10:43-45:
“whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Doing this thing together doesn’t just come down to others serving you through the principles mentioned above but, as importantly, you being of service to others through those same principles.
As you are able, help others in their area of need whether it be physical labor, spiritual encouragement, financial support, or something else. As you grow spiritually, give Godly advice and council through prayer and obedience to God’s word. Be an accountability partner for someone who needs help staying accountable. Pray for others in all areas of need.
Be eager to serve others, not in eager anticipation of receiving something in return, but out of obedience to God’s word and with a heart of compassion for others.
If you practice these 4 Principles related to how much we need others in order to succeed, you will find yourself experiencing a refreshingly strong spiritual journey and additionally, you will find ways to naturally apply these principles to every other aspect of your life.
Be blessed
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