WISDOM FROM PROVERBS
“Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Success can be defined in so many different ways—wealth, fame, power, social prominence. We are told if we work hard, we can become anything we want. The world measures success by our accomplishments, but those things can easily slip away. Lasting success is that which comes from the Lord.
THE STORY OF MOSES
Exodus 2 tells us the unusual (but God-ordained) story of Moses, who was born in Egypt to parents from the tribe of Levi.
By the time of Moses’ birth, the children of Israel had lived in Egypt for over 300 years. Joseph, their ancestor who saved Egypt during a severe famine, was long forgotten. The Israelites no longer held favored status; they were slaves. Pharaoh had even gone so far as to order that midwives were to kill all male babies at birth. Moses’ parents concealed his birth as long as possible; and by a miracle, he was brought up in Pharaoh’s palace. God was at work.
There came a time in Moses’ life when he faced a choice. He could enjoy the luxuries and wealth as the son of a princess, or he could leave that life behind to reclaim his Hebrew heritage. One choice would provide a comfortable and successful life. The other choice would lead him on a very different path.
Moses chose well. He realized the importance of pursuing spiritual rewards rather than earthly wealth and status.
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26, ESV)
FINDING SUCCESS
Although the actual word success is only found once in the King James Version of the Bible in Joshua 1:8, the key to true success is found throughout its pages. Here are three key points to finding true success in life.
- Our first step toward biblical success is to put God first in all we do. Matthew 6:33 tells us to “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (ESV).
- True success requires obedience to the Word of God. Proverbs 3:1-2 advises, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you” (ESV).
- We must acknowledge that it is God who enables us to succeed. “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven” (John 3:27, ESV).
Moses chose the things of God over the riches of this world. We will also face choices as we go through life. Will we choose to measure our success by the world’s values or by God’s standards?
“Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver.”
(Proverbs 8:18-19, ESV)
PERSONAL REFLECTION
- What steps have I taken to make God a priority in my life?
- Are there any changes I should make in my life to align myself with God’s will?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
