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True Success
by Paul Etterling "Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:3-5)" The world's idea of reaching the pinnacle of success when one obtains prestige, power, and profit. The danger in these is that if unrestrained, a person will become very proud. Proud, to the extent that faith, family and friends are no longer important. Ethics and morality may become relative and success may be obtained at any cost. The goal is often to become successful without struggle. I am reminded that a diamond begins as a dirty lump of coal. It is only after extreme heat and pressure have been applied over time to the coal that the diamond forms. The world's idea of happiness is wrapped up in the prestige, power, and profit that one obtains. The problem with this is these things are temporary and no eternal value. Happiness is a result of happen stance. In other words, as the circumstances change our happiness changes. When power is lost, happiness is lost. When prestige is lost, happiness is lost. When profit is lost, happiness is lost. Our true search for success in this life must go beyond the temporary. It must not depend upon the circumstances because they will change. Our search for true success must be rooted in finding knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. These are only found in the Lord and His word. The result? Discernment the ability to know and apply the truth and principles found in his word. This is the ability to make the right decisions, go in the right direction, and to live depending upon the Lord to guide us in every step we take. Paul Etterling is the assistant pastor of the Westerville FWB Church in Westerville, Ohio. Copyright 2007 by Paul Etterling. Permission is granted for reprint. If article is used please notify Paul with publication name and date via the website www.pauletterling.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |