Definition of "Successful Faith"
Just like success, being a successful Christian is something that is very personal. Everybody is a sinner, there is no denying that. But that doesn’t mean one cannot be a good Christian. Some could even say being a successful Christian is as easy as accepting God in your hearts and believing in the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us. Living a successful life is so much more than just having a successful career. Personally, my favorite definition is one that Mr. Blomenberg taught me. Success is being with my family in heaven. This includes the family I don’t have yet, such as my future wife, children, and grandchildren. As a Christian myself, this is what I strive to one day achieve.
Joseph’s Steps to Success: Genesis 39:1-6
1) Ask for God’s Spirit
The first five words of verse two say, “The Lord was with Joseph…” A smart man is one who remains close to God all his days, good or bad. You never know when you might be separated from every other living soul in your life. Joseph was. He was separated from his family and every single person who was familiar to him. But he still had his God. And that proved to be his saving grace. Ask God to be with you in everything you do and he will be there.
2) Take Pride in the Small Things
It’s important to keep in mind, as a slave, Joseph had to have started with small responsibilities. This is a great reminder for you and me not to despise the day of the small things (Zechariah 4:10). If it's your first day on the job and you're tasked with getting coffee or even cleaning toilets, make sure you do it well. It’s the small things that will one day lead to your success.
3) Work With All Your Heart
Running the estate of a high government official, and running it well, had to be demanding of both Joseph's time and energy. The Holy Spirit is God’s part, and the most important part, but Joseph had an important part too. That job was to give it his best. Joseph’s response is remarkable given the circumstances. He had to have been tempted to succumb to depression as a result of his brother’s intense hostility and rejection of him, as well as his current circumstances in Egypt. But he didn’t fall into despondency. Instead he worked with all his heart, as working for the Lord, not for his new Egyptian master.
4) Live Accourding to God's Word
In the biblical account of Joseph’s life, no sin is ever mentioned. It’s obvious that Potiphar trusted Joseph completely. Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph and when he refused, she accused him of rape. Throughout this whole journey, Joseph lived through what God commanded. His success is because of this. This is why it is so essential for us to read our Bibles consistently and often. The more we read it, the more we are able to live according to God's word.
The first five words of verse two say, “The Lord was with Joseph…” A smart man is one who remains close to God all his days, good or bad. You never know when you might be separated from every other living soul in your life. Joseph was. He was separated from his family and every single person who was familiar to him. But he still had his God. And that proved to be his saving grace. Ask God to be with you in everything you do and he will be there.
2) Take Pride in the Small Things
It’s important to keep in mind, as a slave, Joseph had to have started with small responsibilities. This is a great reminder for you and me not to despise the day of the small things (Zechariah 4:10). If it's your first day on the job and you're tasked with getting coffee or even cleaning toilets, make sure you do it well. It’s the small things that will one day lead to your success.
3) Work With All Your Heart
Running the estate of a high government official, and running it well, had to be demanding of both Joseph's time and energy. The Holy Spirit is God’s part, and the most important part, but Joseph had an important part too. That job was to give it his best. Joseph’s response is remarkable given the circumstances. He had to have been tempted to succumb to depression as a result of his brother’s intense hostility and rejection of him, as well as his current circumstances in Egypt. But he didn’t fall into despondency. Instead he worked with all his heart, as working for the Lord, not for his new Egyptian master.
4) Live Accourding to God's Word
In the biblical account of Joseph’s life, no sin is ever mentioned. It’s obvious that Potiphar trusted Joseph completely. Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph and when he refused, she accused him of rape. Throughout this whole journey, Joseph lived through what God commanded. His success is because of this. This is why it is so essential for us to read our Bibles consistently and often. The more we read it, the more we are able to live according to God's word.