God’s Formula for Success

Do you consider yourself successful in your work, ministry, or even daily life? I want to share with you 7 biblical principles of God’s formula for success. These principles show us how to be equipped for every good work, too.

God’s Formula for Success – 7 Principles

Are you frustrated because you are not seeing the desired results in your work or ministry? Or because you compare your work and achievements to somebody else’s?

As Christians who seek to please God in the first place, we are called to measure success differently than the world and according to God’s standards. Our success and every good work are initiated and supported by God, and they are the combined product of our efforts and His grace.

This leads us to the first of the seven principles of living a successful life in God’s eyes.

#1 Letting God’s Grace Labor in Us and with Us

Success is the work of God’s grace which labors in us and with us. When we seek for and accept God’s grace in our work and ministries, and everyday life, then we lay a foundation for success.

“But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Practically, this means to involve God by prayer and supplication in our working progress, looking for His strength, wisdom, and specific provision.

#2 Trusting and Searching for God’s Provision

We can be greatly encouraged when we tackle a new task or assignment when we know God has prepared everything we need in advance. This principle is beautifully illustrated in 1^st Chronicles chapter 22 when David prepares and provides resources in great numbers, and the workers needed for the building of the temple, a task to be carried by his son Solomon.

This is true in our lives too: God has all the resources we need to complete successfully every assignment He gives. That’s why we can devote our hearts to seeking the Lord and begin the work with great courage. 

“Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (1 Chronicles 22:13)

#3 Remaining True to the Lord with All Our Hearts

One of the most important principles of God’s formula for success is to remain true to the Lord with all our hearts. This was the center of Barnabas’ encouragement to the believers in Antioch, who were first called Christians.

“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” (Acts 11:23)

We remain true to the Lord with all our hearts when we abide in His word and Spirit daily and when we put Him first in everything we do.

#4 Continuing With What We Have Learned

The next principle of God’s formula for success is to continue with what we have learned and to live out our convictions.

This is the admonition of Paul that he gives to Timothy: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

We are successful in everything we do when we believe and live according to the truth we have learned and don’t compromise our convictions.

#5 Being Devoted and Diligent

One of the most important principles in God’s formula for success that is in our control is our devotion to the work He has given us and our diligence. This is also one of the loving instructions of Paul to his beloved fellow worker Timothy:

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:13-15)

We are encouraged not to neglect our gifts but to give ourselves to put them into practice and be diligent, so we can have progress, obvious to everyone.

#6 Persevering in Life and Doctrine

The next principle we find also in Paul’s instruction to Timothy is the principle of perseverance in life and doctrine.

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  (1 Timothy 4:16)

This is the principle of maintaining integrity in our lives. Our external should match out internal. Having the right doctrine is not enough. We should watch our lives if they reflect the truth and the teachings of our Lord. Then we are successful in God’s eyes.

#7 Boasting in the Lord and Our Own Sphere of Service

The last principle is connected with comparison and boasting. Often we tend to measure our success in comparison to somebody else’s success. However, this is not a wise thing to do.

The Bible instructs us to boast in the Lord and our own sphere of service assigned to us. “We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.” (2 Corinthians 10:13)

In this way, we can measure success according to what God has given us in our particular situation, assignment, and gifts, not comparing our work to that of another person.

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Success Is a Matter of Obedience and the Right Attitude

The most important truth we need to remember is that success in God’s kingdom is not measured by results. The outcome is often not in our control and belongs to the Lord. We need to trust Him with the outcome.

However, success is in the progress we make by following faithfully and diligently the Lord, who is faithful and true, thankful that He has given us strength and considered us trustworthy to serve Him.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. ” (1 Timothy 1:12)

More Helpful Resources for a Successful Life

If you need more resources on how to put these principles into practice and live a successful life, I could recommend these very helpful books:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Success is a Choice by John C. Maxwell

Success Is Not an Accident: Change Your Choices; Change Your Life by Tommy Newberry

Transforming Your Thought Life by Sarah Geringer

Dream Big by Bob Goff

God’s Formula for Success Printable

I have prepared a printable of these 7 principles of God’s formula for success and the accompanying Bible verses to help you meditate on them. Click on the image to download it.

Your Turn

Which of these principles do you need to apply in your life? If you found this article helpful, please comment and share it on social media. Thanks!

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