Prevalent in the world is the unspoken yet acceptable norm made popular by Niccolo Machiavelli that “the end justifies the means” – by this the success of any objective is said to validate the process by which it is achieved. Therefore there is no regard to how the goal is attained. Following this point, we are assaulted with the image of such ‘successes’ on TV, magazines, advert and books. Success has been encased in the robes of immorality, lusts, covetousness, greed and gets rich quick schemes. The values of decency, contentment and GODLINESS are seen as religious fanaticism.
Unfortunately, many Christians have imbibed this success syndrome and have limited the impact that their lives as light should have on others. There is an unbridled quest to succeed at all costs that drives people to engage in any manner of activity to achieve their objective – the commendation of men. Another myth is that such actions are necessary to achieve financial success. Is this the TRUTH? BUT PONDER on what God says.
Unlike the worldview, every aspect of achieving success is important to God – the principle of Godliness. 1 Timothy 6.6 “Now godliness with contentment is great gain”NKJV. God wants to direct our affairs to give us the best and also honour Him. Acting otherwise is disrespectful and disobedience. Moreover seeking after wealth rather than God is what creates this false life. It is important to know that material success is a blessing from God (Deu.8.18, Psalm 112.3)
Therefore it is error to think that the person who walks in godliness will not experience material success. The Bible warns that we should not be deceived by the “prosperity of the wicked” – those whose practices offend the law of God yet receive the accolades of men.(Psalm 37 & 73). We must take comfort that our best interests are known only by God and through the Holy Spirit these plans are revealed to us. They give us true lasting prosperity, fulfilment and contentment at every level. Our relationship with God is untainted and our soul is not held in bondage to sinful practices. This in turn strengthens our authority over the devil and his influenced.
Daniel, Joseph, Abraham and Jacob all learnt the way of Godliness in their lives and they all prospered. Your personal dignity and fellowship with God thrives in Godliness. Be resolute in your daily life to live by this virtue. It has both spiritual and natural gain. Don’t throw caution to the wind and seek to follow in the ways of the ungodly. 1 Timothy 6.11 urges us to flee from ungodliness rooted in the love of money and pursue GODLINESS.
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