3 Keys to Earthly and Spiritual Success

Of all the great advice on how to live a satisfying and spiritually fulfilling life, three simple lessons rise to the top.

1. You Reap What You Sow

Every action has consequences that bring us either pleasure or pain. While we do suffer from the actions of other people and natural events, much of what happens in our lives is a direct result of our own choices.

Consider the apostle Paul’s message to the Galatians:

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
— Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)

The Consequences of Our Choices

All choices, both good and bad, have consequences:

• You cannot harm someone as a drunk driver if you choose not to drink.
• If you have a lot of drama in your life, ask yourself what part of it comes from your own decisions.
• Do you lose your temper, gossip, or tell lies?
• Are you choosing friends who help you grow closer to Jesus, or friends who lead you away from God?

Good choices create the opportunity for success. Always remember that some decisions seem small and insignificant at first, but they can produce a profound (deep and significant) change in the outcome of your life.

2. Mind Over Matter

To make good decisions that lead to positive outcomes, we must train our mind and spirit to control how we act. Many people live difficult lives because they make poor choices even when they know better.

Think about physical health. To stay fit and energetic, we must eat wisely and exercise.

While exercising, we must ignore the desire to quit, while still paying attention to our body’s need for rest and hydration. “Mind over matter” means your spirit can control your flesh, and your mind can rule over your body.

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
— Romans 6:12-14 (NKJV)

3. Finish Well

It is important to finish worthy goals. However, this does not mean you must stubbornly finish everything you start. If you discover a project is a waste of time, it is better to redirect your energy to something more useful.

For a dream comes through much activity, and a fool’s voice is known by his many words.
— Ecclesiastes 5:3

If you have begun a worthy task, see it through to the end. Many people talk about big plans, but a dream only becomes a reality through consistent effort. After the initial excitement fades, we must stay focused and work until we reach the finish line.

Finishing the Spiritual Race

Spiritually, we must also finish well. 2 Peter 2:18-22 warns us not to give up on purity only to return to a sinful lifestyle.

Conversely, Colossians 1:21-23 promises a joyful reward if we remain steadfast (unwavering and firm) in Christ. We must stay committed, even when we are tired or facing challenges. (Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58).

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry [delay]. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition [destruction/hell], but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
— Hebrews 10:35-39

Final Thoughts

To live a successful and satisfying life, remember these three keys:

1. Make good choices to reap a good harvest.
2. Control your physical desires with your spirit.
3. Pursue worthy goals and keep going until they are complete.