Yesterday I did three very long radio interviews. It seems that I’m nearly always quizzed on what, (in addition to finding God in my life) enabled me to succeed. Did I have a mentor? Did I attend college or business school? Did I find some magic formula to help me succeed?
No – No – No
I’ve never had a mentor; and although I’ve always wanted to receive a college degree, due to the long hours that I work and my desire to spend free time with my family, I’ve simply never had enough time to devote to it in order to earn a degree.
So that leaves me with the “magic formula” question and my answer is that I don’t have one… Or do I?
Hmmmm…
I’ve learned what I need to know about life and business through Bible study. I’ve never gone to the Bible with a question and come up short. I always find the answer that I need, and I spend considerable time searching it on a daily basis.
God gave me a brain and I assume He expects me to use it, so I apply the principles that I’ve learned from studying the Bible and combine them with “common” sense to solve the many problems that present themselves to me daily. I suppose I could ask a mentor to perform this task for me, but I don’t know any, and often I’m trying to solve problems early in the morning, like at 3 a.m. and I don’t know if any mentors are up that early.
Most people look at their job as hard work; I look at mine as being fun and I’m passionate about it, thus I have a strong work ethic. Whereas many folks can only find enjoyment on the golf course or barbequing ribs, I find enjoyment in building things and solving life’s puzzles. Every job has its good points and bad, I don’t dwell on the bad, I just grit my teeth and forge through the briars to get to the lush fields beyond.
I also possess a “don’t quit” style of perseverance that redefines stubborn determination. I’m not a quitter (to the “nth” degree), even when I’ve been kicked in the teeth and hammered with a baseball bat, I keep fighting until “the last dog dies”.
I know it sounds too easy, but in reality I suppose that is my “magic formula”; Bible study, common sense, strong work ethic, and perseverance.
I think most people can be about as successful as they make up their minds to be. My definition to success is finding peace, joy, and love in your life and not necessarily the attainment of wealth, fame, power, or accomplishing some significant achievement.
Do you have peace, joy, and love in your life? If so, you are successful. If not, then make up your mind to attain it.
The Bible states that peace, joy, and love can only come from a relationship with God, so begin your journey with and in Him. Read your Bible and fellowship with other Christians, pray, and seek God’s will, (and not necessarily your own) in all that you do, and live righteously, (do the right things and not the wrong things), as best you know how.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!
Isaiah 32:17
And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.