Trusting What Is Already Written: Biblical Principles for Success
In life, success is something that many seek, yet it often appears elusive. People search for new strategies, voice commands, or divine revelations that will lead them to their desired outcomes. However, according to the Bible, there is already a blueprint for success, a written plan that has been established long before we were born. This article will explore the concept that success is already written and that we must align ourselves with God’s preordained will, instead of constantly seeking new visions or directions.
Key Takeaways
- Success is not about discovering something new, but aligning with what God has already written in His word.
- Jesus’ actions, as seen throughout His life, were based on the written word of God rather than new revelations.
- Biblical principles for success are already in place, and we must follow the path that is already outlined in scripture.
- Many modern-day perversions of the gospel distract people from the truth that the will of God is already written.
1. The Blueprint for Success: A Written Plan
Success is often viewed as a mystery or something that can only be attained by discovering hidden secrets or unlocking a new path. However, the Bible teaches us that success is already written. It is not about discovering something new but about aligning our lives with God’s preordained plans.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse establishes that God has already set out plans for our success. These plans are not random but are deeply tied to His will and purpose for our lives.
The key to success, therefore, is not seeking new directions but understanding and following what God has already written. When we align ourselves with His word, success becomes inevitable.
2. Jesus’ Example: Trusting the Written Word
Jesus, the ultimate example of obedience and trust in God, never acted on his own accord. His actions and words were always grounded in what had already been written in scripture.
In Matthew 4:1-11, when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus did not rely on his own wisdom or voice to respond. Instead, He said, “It is written…” each time Satan offered a temptation. Jesus relied on the written word of God, knowing that it had the power to overcome any obstacle.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). This quote reveals a profound truth: success is not achieved through our own efforts or by searching for new visions. It is achieved by living according to what God has already said in His word.
3. The Role of Relationships: With God and With Man
Relationships are foundational to success, both with God and with fellow human beings. The Bible emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving others. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
In business, life, and relationships, success is dependent on how well we cultivate these two key relationships:
- With God: When we align our actions and decisions with God’s will, we are assured of His blessings and success.
- With People: Our success is also dependent on how we relate to others. Being respectful, honest, and trustworthy fosters positive relationships that contribute to personal and professional success.
4. The Emotional Component: Anger, Emotions, and Success
One of the greatest barriers to success is uncontrolled emotions. The Bible speaks often about managing emotions such as anger. In Ephesians 4:26, it says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
Uncontrolled anger can lead to poor decisions, broken relationships, and hindered success. Instead, the Bible teaches that we must control our emotions and approach situations with patience, peace, and wisdom.
This principle of emotional intelligence can be a powerful tool for achieving success. Success is not just about intelligence or skill; it is about how well we manage our inner life, our emotional responses, and how we interact with the world around us.
5. The Importance of Baptism and Public Acknowledgment
When Jesus was baptized, a significant event occurred: the voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). Although Jesus did not need this declaration for His own sake, it was made for the people to witness.
Baptism represents a public declaration of faith and submission to God’s will. For us, success comes when we publicly declare our faith in God and commit to living according to His will. It is not enough to profess faith in private; we must live it out publicly, demonstrating our trust in God through our actions.
6. The Danger of New Visions and Gospel Perversion
In today’s world, many claim to have received new revelations or visions that contradict the written word of God. However, the Bible warns against adding to or subtracting from the word of God.
Revelation 22:18-19 states, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the written word of God. While visions and revelations can be helpful, they should never replace or contradict the clear teachings of scripture. Many modern-day perversions of the gospel have led people to stray from the truth, causing confusion and spiritual decay.
7. Biblical Principles for Success: A Closer Look
To better understand the principles of success that are already written, let’s explore some key biblical principles:
| Biblical Principle | Scripture Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Trust in God | Proverbs 3:5-6 | “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” |
| Work Hard and Be Diligent | Proverbs 12:11 | “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” |
| Humility and Servanthood | Matthew 23:11-12 | “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” |
| Perseverance | James 1:12 | “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” |
These principles show that success is not about finding a new revelation but about following the well-established path that God has already written in His word. Success is about trusting God, working hard, and living humbly.
8. Conclusion: Aligning with God’s Will
In conclusion, the idea that success is already written is a powerful reminder that we do not need to constantly seek new visions or revelations. The Bible provides a clear roadmap for success that includes trusting in God, building strong relationships, managing our emotions, and living according to biblical principles.
Jesus’ example shows us that we do not need to hear a new voice for guidance; we simply need to trust in the written word of God and align our actions with His will. By doing so, we will experience the success that He has already planned for us.
Let us stop searching for something new and start living according to what God has already laid out for us in His word. Success is already written.
“It is written”, and we are called to live it.
References
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…”
- Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.
- Matthew 22:37-39 – The greatest commandment.
- Ephesians 4:26 – Dealing with anger.
- Revelation 22:18-19 – Warning about adding to or taking away from the word of God.
