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Scripture Text: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1:8 (KJV).
Beloved, welcome to THE LIVING BREAD, and yet another episode as we look at the topic: THE PRICE OF SUCCESS
Yes, we live in a world where nearly everyone is intoxicated with the craving for success. Men run after titles, wealth, and recognition, often without regard for the cost. Many resort to shortcuts, dubious businesses, corruption, fraud, and manipulation.
We have seen this play out in our generation: politicians looting public funds while their citizens starve, or young men and women trapped in get-rich-quick schemes that leave them empty, enslaved, or destroyed.
The Bible warns clearly: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” (Proverbs 13:11, KJV). Success without integrity is not true success - it is ruin in disguise. As children of God, we must be careful not to fall into the world’s trap of defining success by fleeting riches or loud applause.
Kingdom success is not about ambition, but about purpose. It is not self-driven, but God-driven. The life of Jesus reveals this truth; though He was the Son of God, He paid the highest price for success in God’s plan: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…” (Philippians 2:6-7, KJV).
He became the Passover Lamb, bore our shame, and died our death. This was the price He paid to redeem mankind. Without sacrifice, there can be no true success.God’s counsel to Joshua was not prayer alone, nor was it mere hard work, but obedience to His Word. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth…” (Joshua 1:8, KJV).
True success is rooted in meditating on God’s Word, obeying it diligently, and walking in purpose. The danger we face in this fast-paced generation is the temptation to seek fame over service, riches over righteousness, and ambition over assignment. That is not kingdom success, it is rebellion dressed as prosperity.
The words of Orison Swett Marden:
Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have overcome, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.
Beloved, you must understand that God’s definition of success is service. Jesus said: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11, KJV). True success is about discovering God’s vision for your life and serving it faithfully. Anything else is counterfeit.
If you allow the enemy to lure you into selfish ambition, you risk losing the glorious plan of God for your destiny. The price for success is not comfort but commitment; not manipulation but meditation; not ambition but obedience. Only then will you enjoy what God calls good success.
POINTS OF REFLECTION
1. Am I pursuing success for personal gain, or am I aligned with God’s purpose for my life?
2. Do I meditate and obey the Word of God as the foundation for true success?
3. Am I willing to pay the price of service, sacrifice, and obedience to fulfill my God-given destiny?
Father, IJN: Thank You for showing me that true success comes from obedience to Your Word and purpose.
Father, IJN: Guard my heart against greed, pride, and shortcuts that lead to destruction. Help me to pursue success Your way.
Father, IJN: Let my life, service, and resources always bring honor to Your Kingdom and fulfill Your divine plan.
COMMIT TO MEMORY
FURTHER READING
ASSIGNMENT
Success in the Kingdom is not what you gain, but what you give in service to God’s purpose.
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