How do I keep my focus on godly success?

Psalm 92:12-15The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”

Proverbs 16:3Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

The first step toward our success is being willing to let go of our own agenda and commit to God’s. Making this our life-long pursuit will yield wonderful results.

Proverbs 15:22Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

We should trust God to guide us through the wise counsel of people who can be trusted.

Matthew 6:19-21“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

We need to look for the kind of treasure we will find when we get to heaven; then our hearts will be in the right place. This requires that we set priorities and measure accomplishments by God’s standards, not worldly criteria. We cannot always ignore worldly standards, but we must keep them in perspective.

1 Timothy 4:7-10Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

Spiritual fitness keeps us vigorous for spiritual success.

Philippians 3:12-14I [Paul] don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

2 Timothy 4:6-8As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Constant awareness of our heavenly reward helps us remain faithful. It lessens the impact of the temporary distractions of this life.

Psalm 44:3-4They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them. You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel.

Proverbs 21:31The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

God is the one who gives success. We may be as prepared and diligent as possible, but we should never trust only in our preparation or our resources; there are too many things we cannot control. We must trust God to open and close doors for us.

Psalm 112:1-4Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

Our faithfulness to God bears fruit for generations to come. God’s grace is far more reliable than any earthly treasure or title. He promises to leave a spiritual legacy of success to those we love most. There is no better inheritance.