In the business and professional world much attention is given to the study of methods which yield increasing success. Of even greater importance is the necessity of such study on the part of the individual engaged in the King's business. In the inspired instruction to Christian workers we read:
"In making a profession of faith in Christ we pledge ourselves to become all that it is possible for us to be as workers for the Master, and we should cultivate every faculty to the highest degree of perfection, that we may do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable.. . . Those who would be workers together with God must strive for perfection of every organ of the body and quality of the mind. . . . The Lord requires growth in efficiency and capability in every line."— " Christ's Object Lessons," p. 380.
A prerequisite for success in the Christian life is a heart renewed by the Spirit of God. The prophet Samuel, when anointing Saul for the great responsibility of leadership of God's people, recognized this prime essential to success when he said: " The Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou . . . shalt be turned into another man." 1 Sam. 10: 6.
Another essential to success is a knowledge of one's inner self,— know the strong and the weak points, the traits of character which are a hindrance to growth and development spiritually, mentally, or physically, and knowing the exact situation, to conquer through divine help. It is true that the introspective gaze is not always a pleasant one; nevertheless it is worth while.
"By all means, use some time to be alone,
Salute thyself; see what thy soul doth wear.
Dare to look in thy chest, for 'tie thine own,
And tumble up and down what thou findest there."
A successful life must retain individuality. The transformed life of Paul did not make him just like Peter. Both were mighty men of God, each revealing the power of God through his own personality. It is a mistake to seek to " copy " others who are renowned for a successful career. Seek to learn something from every one with whom you are brought in contact, but to use successfully the knowledge acquired requires the power of one's own personality.
A definite aim is an important stepping-stone to success. The great objective must ever be kept in mind. It may not always be possible to reach that objective by the route chosen, but the life plans must be so yielded to God's will that all may be adjusted without losing sight of the ultimate objective. The words of Moses to Hobab, his brother-in-law, are significant. He said concerning the children of Israel, " We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you." Num. 10: 29. They knew their true objective, but from day to day they did not know by what route the Lord was to take them through.
Determination to " see a thing through " is another element which tends to success. However small the task undertaken, if it is a worth-while task, see it through. Many times the richest rewards in service are realized only after a long, hard pull, when all hope of success is obscure. It is easy to run well " for a season," but it is " he that endureth unto the end " who wears the victor's crown.
An abiding faith in the One whom you serve, and implicit confidence in the ultimate triumph of the cause to which you have given your life, will overrule difficulties to be encountered along life's pathway. The glorious triumph of the cause of God is no phantom. It is the greatest reality of the universe. We may safely merge every power of our being into this divine enterprise.
Another element of success is enthusiasm. There is no cause so deserving of real enthusiasm as the cause of God. His messengers carry the richest promises and the most glorious hope —" heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ," and everlasting life. How can there be any lack of enthu-. siasm in proclaiming such a message? It is said that." it takes a stout heart to always keep enthusiastic in the face of prolonged disappointment and continued opposition, but it must be done if we aim to conquer; " but with such a Captain as Christ in command, there is no possible chance of failure.
" The truth is soon to triumph gloriously, and all who now choose to be laborers together with God, will triumph with it."—" Testimonies," Vol. IX, p. 135. Having made the choice, let us seek to " cultivate every faculty to the highest degree of perfection, that we may do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable."
Loma Linda, California
