Jesus taught and modeled the perfect life. Following his example is a life-long endeavor. I’ll never do it perfectly – God didn’t ask me to be perfect, he asked me to be faithful. He just wants to know that I’m trying. So, here are three BIG things I’ve learned from Jesus about how to live my life for true success.
THREE BIG LESSONS FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Heb. 12:2).
God didn’t call us to be perfect (never making mistakes), he called us to be faithful. He called us to offer our lives as a sacrifice to him, trying our best to live for him. Our faith is weak, but we look to Jesus as the author and perfecter of our faith. Here are three BIG lessons we can learn from him about success in life.
1. Stop trying to control everything.
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matt. 6:27).
Jesus said to his disciples: “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you” (Mark 10:42).
Jesus always encouraged his disciples to lean completely on God – to let go of their need to control everyone and everything and simply enjoy the moment.
When you find yourself trying to control every aspect of your life and the lives of those around you – challenge yourself to let go and give it to God.
2. Don’t waste time kicking yourself.
Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly” (Matt. 26:75).
Jesus had warned Peter that at the critical moment Peter would fall to the temptation to deny his relationship with Jesus. Peter adamantly proclaimed that he would never do that. The other disciples concurred. And then, of course, it happened exactly as Jesus predicted. Peter was devastated.
After his resurrection, Jesus sent a message with the women: “But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you’” (Mark 16:7).
Jesus singled out Peter in particular. He was sending an amazing message – Tell the disciples and especially Peter – be sure to tell Peter – that I am coming to see him. In other words, tell Peter not to waste his time blaming himself – I have important work for him to do!
When mistakes are made, challenge yourself to learn from them instead of wasting time blaming yourself.
Jesus has important work for you to do – don’t waste your time kicking yourself for your mistakes. Learn from them and move on to the important work!
3. Treat people with kindness, no matter how they treat you.
If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matt. 5:39).
There was a radical love-ethic at the center of all of Jesus’ teachings. Jesus told his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matt. 5:44). His rationale? Anyone can love the person who is good to them. It takes a special, divine love to love the person who hates you. It is when you are loving “in spite of” the other person’s character that you are loving the way God loves.
The Apostle John put it this way: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
When people treat you poorly, challenge yourself to respond with kindness and respect.
I pray that these lessons will help you create a healthier life with God and the people all around you!
