Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb. (Deut. 30:9)
THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS eludes some people. We’re taught if we get a good education, work hard, and have a dazzling résumé, we can become a success. Many people do achieve this level, but there are those who do not. When this happens, the temptation to become involved in unethical practices leads many down the wrong path. Stepping on others on the way to the top or living an immoral lifestyle will surely end in trouble for those who get involved in these behaviors.
God made the children of Israel a promise, a sure success formula. Israel had to put God first in their lives. If they did, He would make them prosperous in everything they did. Whatever their vocation, He would prosper them. They would be blessed with families and livestock; they would have good crops. But the people had to obey God, keep His commandments, and seek Him wholeheartedly.
No matter what level of success we want to attain, we must do it according to God’s rules. It won’t always be the popular way to go. We may make a few people unhappy with our decisions and our principles, but we, like Israel, can choose to seek God and put Him first in our lives and know that He will bless our endeavors.
Seek God for your path to success.
Vickie Phelps is a retired bookseller who enjoys reading and collecting books. She also plays the organ for her church and publishes the church bulletin.