Five Biblical Steps to Success

As a pastor of numerous years and now retired, I have spoken to many people about making meaningful changes in their lives. My goal has forever been to fortify and improve people challenging them to create the best future for themselves of which they are capable. I believe the central filament to life change is focus. Do you focus on the past which is fixed or the future which is vibrant? Are you focused on that which went before or the potential of your future ahead?

A great Scriptural law comes to mind here:

Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

This truth is powerful in both a Christian undertaking and in any career development. It is close to a universal truth.

Step Number 1: Answer the question: Is There a Prize That You Really Want?

The Apostle Paul wants above all things to know Christ. This is his heavenly goal and his definition of winning. However, this truth applies to our lives here as well. How do you spell success? What is it that mounts your eagle wings so you can fly sky high toward your radiant success? What is that prize which, if received, would truly give you inner happiness and lasting satisfaction? Most humans are like pups chasing their tails and, in the process, bite themselves. Ouch!

Time invested with this focus is not wasted. My father-in-law was a master carpenter and I spent many times watching him, appearing to do nothing. He looked at a simple wood pile; he scratched his pearl white-haired head, he scribbled on the ground; he mumbled to himself. Had I been watching him from space I would have reasoned that these lowly humans were all crazy, bizarre, dazed and confused. Then, after this powerful step of contemplation, he saw his prize. This expert craftsman and ever-so-wise elder took wood in hand, and with Da Vinci like creativity, he began building a beautiful gazebo! To watch him was to give a unique definition to inner happiness. You can have this too!

Step Number 2: Admit That Something About Your Past Is Holding You Back!

Many people fail to release their past because they are having trouble facing a self-supposed failure. We all make mistakes; you are not alone! Maybe it is your entire profession choice or a botched project within your chosen career; maybe it is as simple as a dialogue you had, or didn't have; possibly it is something you said or wish you said in an interview; maybe - maybe - maybe! So, discern that you are not alone. It's not what happened that matters most now, but what you do to step forward.

Things That Keep You in the Past:

1. Blaming Others 

2. Grieving Over Your Present Station In Life 

3. Anger Uncontrolled 

4. Griping Continually 

5. Analyzing Your Failures With Arguments That begin With, "If Only...!" 

Step Number 3: Forget The Past

To forget does not signify to drive all memory away; what it does mean is to say, “No,” to its negatives which hold you down. Even prior to this Scripture, Paul recalls his past. Look at what happened objectively; remind yourself of the incident(s), even let them glide to the surface. Your prize begins with gaining a new perspective. Paul said that he hadn’t attained yet, but he was casting everything behind him that he might move forward. This is what is meant by “forgetting!” Remembering means to hold on to your mistakes; forgetting means to let them go. It is harder to run ahead when you are carrying the weight of the past!

Step Number 4: Forgive Yourself

There is something internalized within us that causes us to attempt to punish ourselves forever for our flubs. I ask you simply, “Is your wallering helping you win?” Take your past failures, throw them into the ocean of pardon and then post a “no fishing” sign. So, you have made mistakes (and more mistakes), GET OVER IT!

Step Number Five: Take Action

If those unproductive times of yore no longer define you, then you can live satisfied in the present, and plan the next step that inspires you. Ask yourself what you want to be; ask yourself where you want to be! Focus on the future “prize” and take the first step. Take the first step and then keep pressing. This process is the real secret to inner contentment! This is the sure fire way to change your future!