Sabbath: Planning for Success
Image © Pacific Press
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Eccles. 12:1; Genesis 2:15; 1 Timothy 5:8; Colossians 3:23-24; Genesis 39:2-5; Proverbs 3:5-8.
Memory Text: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24, , NKJV).
Most people want to live a “successful” and happy life. Of course, in a fallen world, where tragedy and calamity can strike at a moment’s notice, this goal might not always be easy to attain.
Then, too, there is the question of how we define “success.” There is the case of Joseph in Egypt; if there were ever a successful life, that certainly would be one, would it not? From prison to palace, that kind of thing. On the other hand, what about John the Baptist? He went from prison to the tomb. How successful was his life? Again, it all depends upon how you define “successful.”
This week we are going to look at the idea of “success” in the context of basic stewardship and financial principles. No matter who we are or where we live, money and finances are going to be a part of our life, whether we like it or not. What, then, are some steps, practical steps, that we can take along the way that, though not guaranteeing “success,” can nevertheless help us avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that can make financial success a bit more difficult?
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 25.
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When I was a lecturer I often used to see students not planning for success. One of the problems with tertiary education, particularly in a boarding institution, is that there is so much social life there is little room for study. And it is that time of life when you start thinking that maybe it would be a good idea to find a wife as well. I understand the problem because I was once a student too.
I went through my phase of immaturity having a great social life and failing examinations. And have I told you the story before of how I had to eat humble pie and go back home to NZ, to work in a pipe factory for a few months. I came back to College determined to study, then I got a girlfriend who was the best thing to ever happen to me. She believed in studying hard, so she set me a good example. I had to keep up! And that was my recipe for success.
Some students never seem to get the idea of success and they continue their lack of success in their careers. As Christians, it is important to realise that although we are saved by grace, we have to live by work. And work means focus and effort. Students would come to my office to discuss their failing grades and we sometimes would pray about their issues. But they would not leave my office until we had mapped out a plan, that was realistic and attainable. That is how it works. You don't pray for success, you pray for the inspiration to develop a plan and the strength to stick to it.
Nothing is guaranteed in life, definitely not success. I have discovered the 'secret formula' which I apply to all I engage in – integrity and commitment. Once committing to a task, it is very important to see it through to the end in the best way I can possible do so.
‘In the context of basic stewardship and financial principles’, I see success by/in fulfilling my promises, live frugal and being able to pay bills without borrowing from others. As they say: ‘the devil is in the detail’; no cutting corners, no fudging the numbers, integrity carries its own reward – just finished our tax return and it looks good!
I had no plan for my life other that living it honorably and with integrity. God blessed our family beyond all expectations. Starting out, we probably could have been considered the poster children for another failed marriage - war-injured vet, coming from two very different cultural backgrounds, not very proficient in the language, biracial children, low income dead-end work, depening on one income, little money, and starting out living in a pickup-truck camper-shell in the backyard of my husband's family home.
I believe that our heavenly Father arranged for us to go from zero to more than enough because we trusted in His oversight. We were willing to listen and do what is right in His eyes and all is well. Not to owe anyone anything - not only material things, but also spiritually based, practical engagement in the life of others, is my plan for success.
Brigitte,
Yes—the definition of success is most often defined by the ability to accumulate stuff and mass material wealth or achieve social status with the world (or even within the church). But, as we are constantly reminded in the Bible, none of that will matter in the final judgement.
The larger questions of faith, trust, and the mission of God’s kingdom should be the rubric by which we assess success for ourselves.
We usually use time as one metric for judging “success”as we consider someone who has achieved success over a longer period of time to be more successful. It seems easy in our human wisdom to judge the success of Joseph. But not so much of John the Baptist. The author of the lesson makes an interesting comparison of Joseph to John the Baptist. Jesus put His stamp of approval on John’s success (as far as doing God’s will) saying no one ever born was greater than he. And yet in terms of longevity his life was very short and did not appear very successful. So I believe we in our human wisdom are very limited in our ability to judge “success” from God’s perspective.
My husband and I have three children, while another couple has twelve children, who reside with them in a commune. Some may consider having many children a sign of success.
Having many children can be seen as a sign of success. For others, it is determined by success in parenting. Providing for and raising children is a massive challenge. In our case, my husband and I prioritised our children's needs and provided for them despite our limited income. As a stay-at-home mum like Brigitte (mom in American English), I taught them the value of being frugal. Obviously, not everyone is able to have children, due to various reasons. There are many paths to a successful life, beyond procreation.