BACK TO SCHOOL
(Pathway to Success - Joshua 1:8)
A warm welcome to September, the ninth month of the year! Our theme is “pathway to success”. It is that time of the year again when learners and instructors go back to the classroom to learn and unlearn with uttermost desires to succeed. In order to achieve success in life, there are some things you MUST learn to do:
You must learn to read and understand the Word of God. The Word is your source that will teach you, and help supply everything needed for success. Joshua 1:8 tells us how we can have success in life. "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success".
Other translations say, “Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night. Then you will be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything”
"...And then you shall be able to deal wisely with the affairs of life”. “...then you will attain your goal; then you will succeed”. “...then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed”. From the different translations one thing is clear: the Word of God is associated with success.
Folks, you cannot deal wisely in the affairs of your natural life, unless you know the Word of God. You cannot be successful if you can't deal wisely. Have you ever seen a successful foolish person? Wisdom is necessary in every area of life if you're going to have any success at all. And you get wisdom by studying, and taking heed unto the Word of God. For example, if a business owner is barely making ends meet with one store, wisdom says he/she should not open three more. But there are those who launch out into new ventures without thinking. They say, "God will take care of us" or "God will supply." Yes in deed, God will take care of you, but He expects you to have some wisdom! God gave you a mind to know when to do something and when not to do something. If you meditate in the Word like Joshua 1:8 says to do, you will have wisdom. You will know what to do and when to do it.
There is something else we must understand about being successful - Success with God is not measured by the same yardstick that we use in nature. Your success is not measured by what someone else is doing (2 Cor. 10:12). For instance, your academic success is not based on what your friend scored, but on your hard work and what you obtained. You see, success with God is determined by whether you're involved with Him as He is leading, guiding, and directing you. You must also learn to hear what God says. You must stay where He wants you to be. God moves because you move in line with Him and His Word.
All of these will help you to deal wisely with the affairs of your life.
In the series, we shall examine hearing and seeing, the pathway to success, and all will be well. Shalom!