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January is now behind us and wow did it move fast! According to the statistics, most people have already let go of those New Year’s Resolutions and slid back into their co
mfort zones and old habits. Many walk away from the resolutions with a sense of failure as we have this deep rooted idea that our success lies in losing weight, hitting the gym, getting out of debt and list goes on and on. Although those things are good things and great habits to reach for, they should not be the determiner of our success. Resolutions are merely behavior modification. What we really need is a heart change.
What is True Success?
Before we learn the 5 steps to a successful year, we need to define success. According to Webster’s, success is “the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one’s goals.” But I want to look at true success. As a Christian our success should look much different than the world’s definition. My pastor did a New Year’s sermon on success and it really pricked my heart into changing my thinking. We so easily get sucked into the world’s thinking.
So, here is my new definition of success for 2019…Doing it God’s Way!
5 Steps to a Successful Year
Let’s start by reading 1 Chronicles 28:7-10.
“Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever. And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.”
So, here is the back story. David was king of Israel and wanted to build a house for the Lord to place the ark of the covenant. But God would not allow King David to do so because he was a man of war and has shed blood. Instead, God chose Solomon, David’s son to build it. But God had some stipulations to Solomon’s success. Solomon had to do it God’s way! Here are God’s steps to Solomon’s success and for us, 5 steps to a successful year:
Be Constant
(vs. 7) Here is how we know it was a stipulation or condition….this little word “if”. Solomon had a part. Solomon’s part was to be constant. I love this definition from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/constant But God had a specific thing Solomon was to be constant in. He was to be constant in doing God’s commandments and judgements. Here’s the lesson: True success comes from being constant in doing God’s commandments and judgements.
Keep and Seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God
(vs. 8) There are multiple times when God tells us to keep His commandments. We need to do what He tells us to do! But we also need to seek! Don’t be content with status quo!
Know God
(vs.9) Strive to know Him better! Know His Word better! The more you know God the more holy you will live.
Serve Him
(vs.9) But, we are to serve Him with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Are you willing?
Be strong and do it!
(vs.10 & 20) Just do it!
Let’s change our thinking on resolutions and do it God’s way this year, and then we can look back at a successful year!
