Blessed is the man [person] who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law [instruction] of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3 ESV).

Dr. George Washington Carver, the world-famous scientist from Tuskegee Institute is best remembered for his discovery of 150 products from the common sweet potato and 300 products from humble peanut. But behind this great scientist was an infant who was traded for a broken-down race horse because he was often sickly. Despite this, Dr. Carver came out of slavery and persevered for this education.

Invited to testify before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on the value of peanuts, Dr. Carver said that he got his knowledge of peanuts from the Bible. Surprised at his statement, the committee asked him where in the Bible does it say so much about peanuts. He replied, “Let me make myself clear, the Bible does not teach anything regarding the peanut. But it told me a lot about God and how to receive guidance directly from Him, and God told me how I can get all those products from peanuts and potatoes.”

The first principle of true success is to be properly related to God. It is not enough that we know Him as our God. He must have first priority in all aspects of our lives. The Bible tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).

The second principle of true success is to make God’s principles our basic guidebook. The principles of God’s Word must be our constant reference and standard to everything we do in life. Again, the word of God tells us,

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules (Psalm 119:97-106 ESV).

The third principle of true success is to keep at it. There must be a consistency and determination with the first and second principles until we see the fruits from them. As the Scriptures warn us,

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:7-9).

Alexander Mclaren, one of the great men mightily used by God in England, said, “The root of all steadfastness and perseverance is in consecration to God.”

Pastor Gideon Gallo is Administrative Pastor at Gladbrook Community Christian Church – a Global Methodist Church – located at 715 Lincoln Street, Gladbrook. He can be reached at 641-473-2025, or gladbrookmethodist@windstream.net.