Practical application of success principlesBecoming who I want to be
Proverbs 23:7 says” For as he thinks in his heart, so is he”. The way that we perceive ourselves is the way that our life will take. If our minds are filled with positive thoughts about who we are and what we are capable of, we will realize that reality, the reality of success. If our minds are full of negative thoughts about who we are and what our capabilities are, we will find our reality in failure and discouragement. The first goal in the application of theses success principles that we set for ourselves is to constantly and positively affirm ourselves. If we want to be successful, we must see ourself in our mind as successful. We must train our minds to accept the fact that we are special creations of Almighty God. We must understand that He wants us to be successful. We must make a commitment to God and to ourself that we will do whatever He leads us to do, whenever He leads us and at whatever it may cost. It's a big commitment, however, if we commit to keeping it, we will have the best year, the best life, ever! Begin the application of these success principles with an affirmation similar to the one following. "Today I am stepping out of mediocrity. I have finished waffling and wavering. I've made my choice and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going to take God's way. I will not turn back now nor will I in the future! I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character in me, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, communicate his Word and apply the success principles that I discover there. My past has been forgiven. I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven. I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, fulfill my mission in the membership of his family and apply the success principles that God wants me to learn in His Holy Word. I know that this life is preparation for the next and I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I'll give it all I have. I'll do the best I can with all that Jesus Christ has placed me as steward over. I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise or greed, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil or any who work for him. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I'll keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race. I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, generous with everything that God entrusts to me and diligent in the application of the success principles that I am learning. To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you, Lord, in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!" What does this mean? Today, I affirm this commitment to God and submit to His plans and purposes for my life, no matter what it takes." We must be able to apply the success principles that we will learn in order for us to reach our goals. (adapted from a message by Rick Warren, Saddleback Church)
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