True Success

“Success in any line demands a definite aim. He who would achieve true success in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor.”

Education, 262

Based on this quotation, we see that true success must have a definite aim. Whether it is in the realm of studying to be a physician, mechanic, engineer, pastor, or a chef, if you are going to succeed, you must have a definite aim.

“Those who feel the constraining love of God ask not how little may be given, in order to obtain the heavenly reward; they ask not for the lowest standard, but aim at a perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With ardent desire they will yield all, and manifest zeal proportionate to the value of the object they are in pursuit of. What is the object? Immortality, eternal life.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, 260.

The highest aim of the Christian is, “Perfect conformity to the will of God.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 745. Remember, success in any line requires a definite aim. Those who are in perfect harmony, or perfect conformity to the will of God, and aim for perfection of character are promised victory, even though many Christians believe that is impossible.

Consider these Scriptures:

“Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes, and to keep His commandments, as at this day.” I Kings 8:61. Be perfect!

Jesus Himself said, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. Be perfect!

It is required that we are to reach moral perfection, even in this world. Ellen White states, “The Lord requires perfection from His redeemed family. He calls for perfection in character-building.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1085. If we are to ever enter the Kingdom of God, it must be with perfect characters, not having spot or wrinkle. It is a requirement to be ready to go with Jesus when He returns. However, while in this spiritual battle on earth that strives against sin and the world, it is only by God’s grace that this state is possible.

“God requires moral perfection in all. Those who have been given light and opportunities should, as God’s stewards, aim for perfection.” This Day with God, 32.

Is this your aim? Never insult our Saviour by lowering the standard of righteousness to which we are called to accommodate any of our inherited or cultivated tendencies to do wrong. We are invited to behold Jesus and reflect His beautiful image of moral perfection in this world.

The Obstacles

We live in a sinful world, and as we set our goal and aim for moral perfection, we are sure to meet with obstacles or barriers that must be overcome. These obstacles are sin and self. A woman, caught in the act of adultery, was brought to Jesus. “When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” John 8:10, 11. The words of Jesus to her were not a suggestion but a command. He said, “Go, and sin no more.”

Look at John 5:14. Coming upon a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, Jesus told him to rise, take up his bed and walk. “Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14. Several times Jesus said to “sin no more.” Why would He say that if it were impossible?

With such high expectation, it is encouraging to know that we have a compassionate friend who understands the weakness of human flesh. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” I John 2:1. John, under Inspiration, says, “I write to you that you may not sin, but if you do fall, get back up. My Son, Jesus Christ the righteous, is ever pleading for His Spirit to help you to overcome that you may not sin.”

John continues, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” I John 3:9. This is referring to the deliberate continual practice of sin. The born again Christian experiences the constraining love of Christ that changes his desires and purposes that he cannot sin without going against his conscience, because he is born of God.

In contrast, he says, “He that committeth sin is of the devil.” This verse requires each to search his or her own heart and be honest with himself or herself. If it is found that one is walking repeatedly in sin, it is the enemy of souls who inspires those actions. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil [destroy sin].” Verse 8.

In the book of John there are other Scriptures concerning the obstacles that each one faces. “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” John 8:34. This is a question for each to ask himself or herself, “Whom do you serve?” A person’s lifestyle portrays whom they serve, either sin, self, the world and the devil, or Christ and His righteousness.

It comes naturally to be a slave of sin

Why is it so hard to break the chain of sin? “Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident.” Messages to Young People, 99.

By nature, because of our first parents’ sin, we inherit their lean toward sin—our natures are fallen. The perfection of moral character required by God is not inherited, nor does it come by chance. How then do we reach that goal? “A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.” Ibid. It is clear that in the strength of Jesus Christ we are to battle against our own natural tendencies to win the victory over our inner self.

While this battle rages within, other battles rage from without. Peter warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8.

We definitely have an adversary, someone who is continually against us, opposing every good decision. He is a wily foe and he walks about seeking whom he may devour. He never sleeps, so we must be sober and vigilant and in the right state of mind, ever watchful.

Paul tells us a little bit more about our “wiley foe.” He says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. This is a fierce conflict that we are in. Everything that comes naturally to us, as well as all the forces of darkness, oppress us from every direction, and man is no match for the evil one without Divine assistance.

“Satan and his angels are unwilling to lose their prey. They contend and battle with the holy angels, and the conflict is severe. And if those who have erred continue to plead, and in deep humility confess their wrongs, angels who excel in strength will prevail and wrench them from the power of the evil angels.” Messages to Young People, 60.

What a word picture this gives! If the curtains could be pulled up and we could see into the spiritual realm, what a fierce shock would come upon us as we witness the spirits engaging in fierce battle over each and every soul. It is severe and worse than any war in which this earth has been involved. The Bible gives a little view of these battles.

“And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto Thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit. … And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if Thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.” Mark 9:17, 22.

This also should be our prayer when we find ourselves struggling with some habit. “Lord, have compassion on me and help me.”

“When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, he is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.” Verses 25–27. It took a struggle for the demon trying to destroy him to let him go.

That is just a little glimpse into the conflict that goes on for each and every soul. The man’s son was possessed of a demon that the disciples of Jesus could not cast out. We are no match for the devil and his evil angels. Only Jesus can deliver us from sin and from the chains of the enemy.

We have been given our marching orders in our personal battle with Satan. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resists the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. Resist the devil, stand fast in the name of the Lord and do not give in and he will flee. In fact, this is the only way to be victorious; submit to God, surrender to Him and all power is given to resist the devil, not just one time, but every time, to live a continual life of victory.

In the sad history of Israel is seen a people who, after all the favors bestowed on them, missed the very person, Christ, Who was the fulfillment of their whole history. When it comes to submitting to God, Paul says, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Romans 10:3, 4.

“Man is naturally inclined to follow Satan’s suggestions, and he cannot of himself successfully resist so terrible a foe, unless Christ, the mighty conqueror, dwells in him, guiding his desires, and giving him strength.” Messages to Young People, 51. To successfully resist this foe, Christ must dwell within. This is a must. The concerns and affections of the heart, whatever triggers the emotions and the thoughts dwell on, are an indication of who controls the person. When Christ dwells within, He guides our desires and teaches us to make righteous choices. When recognizing a thought or desire not to be of God, the only safe choice is to recognize the author, let it go and resist the devil in the strength of Jesus Christ.

Weapons of War

We are in a spiritual battle and need weapons to conquer the obstacles. Knowing the weakness of the enemy is a great advantage. James 2:19 says, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Devils know that God exists. These fallen angels have been in His presence and know, without a doubt, that His word is sure and whatever He says is going to come to pass. They actually tremble before God.

“And when He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?” Matthew 8:28, 29.

They were afraid. They knew Jesus as the commander of heaven, and when He came upon the scene, they thought they were about to be tormented before the time. Satan’s whole host of angels tremble before the presence of the mighty King. “Satan cannot endure to have his powerful rival appealed to, for he fears and trembles before His [Christ’s] strength and majesty. At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles. … And when angels, all-powerful, clothed with the armory of heaven, come to the help of the fainting, pursued soul, Satan and his host fall back, well knowing that their battle is lost.” Messages to Young People, 53.

That being the case, how important is it to refuse or neglect fervent prayer? Without prayer we remain the prey of demons. “Beware how you neglect secret prayer and a study of God’s word. These are your weapons against him who is striving to hinder your progress heavenward.” Ibid., 96.

Secret prayer and study—the big guns of spiritual war! Do not forget to read the Word, get understanding and apply what you learn to your life; these are the only weapons against demonic forces. If you are struggling or being continually defeated, check your inventory to see if you are spending time in secret prayer and a study of God’s word.

It is so easy, even with good intentions, to slip backwards. “The first neglect of prayer and Bible study makes easier the second neglect. The first resistance to the Spirit’s pleading prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the heart is hardened, and the conscience seared.” Ibid.

A perfect example of this is given to us in the history of Pharaoh in Egypt at the time of the Exodus. He resisted nine times to respond to the Spirit’s pleading, but the tenth time was the last. At each rejection his heart was hardened a little more until he crossed the line and his probation was closed. Day by day this same thing happens in many lives as they continue to resist the pleadings of the Holy Spirit, refusing to study the Bible and pray. They become hardened at each refusal not realizing their time is running out, and without their knowledge, the Spirit will cease to draw them, and too late they will find out they have committed the unpardonable sin for which there is no forgiveness.

Good News

Progress to perfection can become easier. We are told that each resistance to temptation strengthens our resistance to the next temptation. “Every denial of self makes self-denial easier. Every victory gained prepares the way for a fresh victory.” Ibid. Each victory strengthens faith, causing no concern about what may come your way because you have proved your weapons. You can be confident of victory at whatever temptation the enemy may throw, or even that which may come from within, because Christ dwells within.

What to do if we do fall

The wise man gives instruction if we fall: “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” He does not remain down. He does not stay there on the ground, but he gets right back up. That is what we are encouraged to do, not wallow in the mud. If we fall into sin, get right back up. Don’t be discouraged, because it goes on to say, “but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24:16.

Remember what 1 John 2:1, 2 says: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

If we fall into sin, we know that we have a great high priest; we have an Intercessor, a Mediator, a Saviour, a Redeemer, a Deliverer, a Forgiver, and we can go to Him in prayer. He stands at the right hand of the Father, in the most holy sacred place of heaven, pleading on our behalf. We do not have to remain in that sin. We can get right back up and keep going. Jesus is the atoning sacrifice, and His blood was shed for that sin.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. That is the hope that we have as children of God. Lay hold of that hope!

“The Lord will recognize every effort you make to reach His ideal for you. When you make a failure, when you are betrayed into sin, do not feel that you cannot pray, that you are not worthy to come before the Lord. … With outstretched arms He waits to welcome the prodigal. Go to Him, and tell Him about your mistakes and failures. Ask Him to strengthen you for fresh endeavor. He will never disappoint you, never abuse your confidence.” Messages to Young People, 97. Do not allow your feelings to keep you from coming to Christ for He loves you.

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” II Corinthians 10:4, 5.

We must accustom ourselves to bring every thought into the obedience of Christ. We must guard what we think and meditate upon. Cast down imaginations, or pretenses, high things, things that exalt itself against the truth, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. “We should accustom ourselves to often lift the thoughts to God in prayer.” Daughters of God, 81. This is what it means to pray without ceasing. Meditate upon the things of God, always try to lift your thoughts up to God as much as possible; fight hard to keep your mind stayed on heavenly things.

We are told: “If the mind wanders, we must bring it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy.” Ibid. Lift the thoughts to God in prayer, and if the mind wanders, earnestly bring it back to focus on Jesus Christ, because we are aiming for perfection. The secret of success is found in John 15:4: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.”

“The secret of success is the union of divine power with human effort. Those who achieve the greatest results are those who rely most implicitly upon the Almighty Arm.” Colporteur Ministry, 106.

“The Christian life is a warfare. … In this conflict of righteousness against unrighteousness we can be successful only by divine aid. Our finite will must be brought into submission to the will of the infinite; the human will must be blended with the divine. This will bring the Holy Spirit to our aid.” Messages to Young People, 55. The secret of success is Christ’s divinity united with our humanity.

It is important that our thoughts and feelings are constantly under the control of God. Messages to Young People states, “Even your thoughts must be brought into subjection to the will of God, and your feelings under the control of reason and religion. … If the thoughts are wrong, the feelings will be wrong; and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character.” Ibid., 92.

The goal of the Christian is perfection of character. It is so important to guard all thoughts, feelings and actions for “God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27.

Jesus says to us today, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Demario Carter is currently a Bible worker for Steps to Life.