What Does the Bible Say About Success?

What Does the Bible Say About Success?

In more than 35 years of business and ministry experience, I have found principles from the Word to be infallible guidelines toward success. None of these principles take the place of hard work and determination, but they enhance the effort and increase the level of success. No matter what goal you are headed toward, these 15 guidelines will speed you on your way.

1. Finish What You Start

 

‘I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.’ John 17:4 NKJV

If you do not finish the work, there will be no results. Jesus is the ultimate example of a finisher. You have the same opportunity (not the same way) to glorify God as Jesus did, by fulfilling His Word to you.

Remember, the pressure is greatest when you are closest to success—right before the finish line.

 

2. Bring the Enthusiasm

‘We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!’ Hebrews 12:2 TPT



Enthusiasm can physically propel you to the finish line. Jesus was focused on the joy of completing His purpose, even though He knew there would be more involved than what He had already experienced. 

Think about the joy on the other side of a struggle and bring the anticipation and enthusiasm with you.

3. Force a Habit

 

‘Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap.’ Galatians 6:7 AMP




Your life is a result of what you do every day. Begin with some small things you want to start or stop doing and work toward making those things into sustainable habits.

Every day do the things that will make you into the person you want to be. You want to be: physically fit—exercise, knowledgeable—study.

4. Walk on the Positive Side

 

‘So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.’ Romans 8:28 TPT

The things you meditate on will direct your life whether positive or negative, life-giving or fearful. Keep your mindset focused on the positive evidence of God’s perfect plan for your life.

Set the sail of your life based on God’s Word to bring about prosperity, blessing and success.

5. Practice Excellence

 

‘By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.’ Hebrews 11:4 NKJV



Thankfully, excellence is not perfectionism. Abel gave the very best from his firstborn lambs and God said it was excellent. Striving for perfection is useless, but giving your very best is possible every day.

Take the extra time required to do things with excellence, impacting those around you.

6. Think Fast

 

‘But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ Matthew 22:18-21 NKJV



Jesus knew how to respond when people were trying to trick Him, or when they needed life-giving encouragement. Being able to respond clearly and concisely in any situation is an asset, helping you avoid unwise reactions.

Having a ready answer and communicating well are attainable skills. Begin observing those around you with this skill, learn from them, then practice.

7. Keep Calm and Carry On

 

‘A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.’ Proverbs 15:1 NLT



The temptation to let your emotions take control can put you at a disadvantage. There will be times you want to lose it, but learning to handle your emotions will keep you level-headed and rational.

During volatile moments it helps to stop and listen to the Lord. You are better able to respond in kindness when you allow the Lord to fight your battles.

8. Reach Critical Mass

‘Accepting constructive criticism opens your heart to the path of life, making you right at home among the wise. Refusing constructive criticism shows you have no interest in improving your life, for revelation-insight only comes as you accept correction and the wisdom that it brings.’  Proverbs 15:31-32 TPT



Positive criticism is a gift to help you move toward success. It comes with a desire to help you grow, mature and accomplish your goal. Negative criticism is destructive and contradictory to what God says about you.

Discern which type of criticism you are dealing with, then receive the positive and release the negative. Remember, even positive criticism comes with corrections and adjustments.

9. Attract Favor

‘If your heart is right, favor flows from the Lord, but a devious heart invites his condemnation.’ Proverbs 12:2 TPT



In any situation, when your heart is right—with good intentions—you will receive favor from God. And, of course, a heart with wrong intentions will not receive His favor. People are attracted to positive, supportive, intentional leaders. 

Be the person people are happy to see. Change the atmosphere in the room.

10. Hang in There

‘Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.’ Hebrews 10:36 NLT



Everything of value requires patience and perseverance. Don’t miss out on what the Lord is teaching you by letting go too soon. Endurance is the engine that will get you to the next level. 

Hang in there and you will come out the other side with success.

11. Don’t Worry About It

‘And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life?’ Matthew 6:27 AMP



Worry is the result of being afraid of something that hasn’t and probably won’t happen. Stress is being afraid of a negative outcome or needing to please others. Both can cause sickness and premature aging. When you feel stress or worry, rejoice and seek His Word for the answer.

Peter Daniels says, “Stop creating a mental picture of what you DON’T want.” Problems are opportunities to see the Lord work through you.

12. Decide Already

‘But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.’ James 1:6-7 NLT



You may not always make the right decision, but go ahead and make one. A leader’s decision gives their team the ability to follow with confidence. Indecision brings a halt to forward motion and creates an atmosphere of instability. 

People are looking for leaders who are stable and decisive.

13. Lay an Egg

‘The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.’ Proverbs 21:20 NLT



Setting aside financial reserves is both practical and spiritual. You are prepared to help your business or family through difficult times. You will take the pressure off relationships when unexpected situations occur. 

Live within your means and set aside a nest egg for possible future events.

14. Listen Good

‘A man’s heart is the proudest when his downfall is nearest, for he won’t see glory until the Lord sees humility. Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.’ Proverbs 18:12-13 TPT


Ask questions because there is always more to learn. Jesus asked questions that opened conversations. Leadership decisions require input from your team or family. Ask frequently and Listen attentively.

To create a strong team, humbly ask those who know more than you for input, feedback and suggestions.

15. Choose Wisely

‘For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.’ 2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV



You always have a choice. Don’t let outside pressures cause you to give up your choice. God leads and guides through peace, not pressure. 

You are in charge of you. Your free will is a gift from God. Hang onto your power of choice.

I don’t recommend implementing all 15 of these at once. However as you focus your mind and heart toward His Word and hearing His voice, you will find yourself living His way. As you can see, the Bible has plenty to say about success and His desire to see you fulfill your purpose. He is your most enthusiastic advocate!