Overnight Success
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3
Mushrooms can grow fast! Because of the way they absorb moisture, some mushrooms appear to grow overnight! Then in the heat of the day they shrivel back down. Some mushrooms will instantly shrink when confronted with a rain storm. Trees connected to a good water source however grow – but at a much slower rate. Their growth is not stunted by the heat, wind, rain or elements. Christian men and women should desire to be “like a tree…”
We all want to live blessed and happy lives. We hope to see the Lord prosper and provide all our needs. Most of us want even more than merely our needs met. Many Christians want overnight success. They want to be in the fast track to “success.” In the Bible, success is not the next promotion, the next vocation, the next location to live or the next vacation. Success is not the bank account, the number of friends, or the amount of “free” time you may have. Golf courses and ball games do not even factor in.
Success in the Bible is being more like Jesus. The Lord told Joshua to study the Bible to achieve and live a successful life. Joshua 1:8 says, This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Since being successful is being more like Jesus, we must find ways to grow, develop, become disciplined, and have a strong desire to be more like Him. There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. The legendary, winning, and Christian basketball coach John Wooden said: “When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. So don’t look for the quick, big improvement. Seek the small improvements one day at a time – that’s the only way progress happens – and when that kind of progress happens, it lasts.”
Determine each day to be more like Christ. Perhaps the best place to start is a spirit of humility. No Christian will ever succeed at the Christian life without first banishing pride from his life. Speaking of Jesus, Philippians 2:8 says, And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
- What is your plan for growth? You must have a plan.
- What personal discipline needs to be defined and applied?
- How is your meditation (Bible reading and prayer) going?
Spiritual growth is like the tree planted by the rivers of water. Do you want God’s blessings in life? Do you want to live a happy Christian life? Are you desiring to be more like Jesus? It will take daily time, daily effort and daily commitment to being more like Jesus.
EDC Christian 