For the most part, people have certain goals and aspirations, whether subconscious or otherwise. Their desire is to see them materialize sometime in their life. I believe it is dependent upon their measure of faith and other underlying reasons that determine whether or not they achieve such thoughts or visions.
Many books and seminars on the power of positive thinking have come to the forefront through the years. In part, they are instructional in nature on the art of achieving fame and fortune in the face of opposition; or how to overcome laziness, which is a poignant matter unto itself.
Emphasis is placed on the concept of personal inhibitions or lack of ability vs. the pride of ownership. The “how” behind the drive, or lack of it, is the question behind the facade of well-doing in the status quote of living and the attempts to make ends meet, while achieving success.
Get-rich-quick schemes are as numerous as there are people with a diminished wherewithal to achieve success within themselves. People that take the initiative to zero in on those that lack drive, self-confidence, and enthusiasm are the ones getting rich by selling their ideas and techniques regarding positive thinking.
There is nothing wrong with attaining money. It is called, entrepreneurship. It is alive and well in some people’s areas of expertise. Hard work and perseverance are two of the initiatives surrounding a focused endeavor of free enterprise. It pays off; monetarily in some cases, accompanied with satisfaction of mind; depending upon the person and circumstances that surround individual ventures. You know what they say, “Nothing ventured; nothing gained.”
The power of positive thinking is on a parallel course with the power of positive faith. It is simple in nature, with concepts straightforward, but perpendicular regarding ‘recognition of source’.
The power of positive thinking is coupled with self and the ability within a person to ignite a personal drive to accomplish goals, whereas, the power of positive faith centers around God and His ability to bring things to pass through our efforts; coupled with the notion, “God helps those who help themselves.”
There are leaders and there are followers, depending upon personalities and the nature of individuals, which are greatly affected by circumstances surrounding their trek through life. Situations, status, environment, acquaintances, health, and luck have a direct influence in the development of personalities and success. They are all factors, but where God is concerned, is it luck or His providence that gives direction?
(Psalm 37:23-24), “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” vs.24 “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”
There is nothing wrong with reading books on the subject matter of how to better oneself, but until a person puts into practice what they read, it accomplishes little in areas of self-worth and confidence. It’s like reading the Bible and not abiding by what it says in order to find abundant living and inner fulfillment.
It takes ‘doing’, whether in the power of self or the power of God to accomplish things in life. Both bring success into view when people arise and get to work through the process of doing. Success is just a stone’s throw away, a relatively short distance, when people set in their minds to accomplish something, whether in self or with God’s help. This is the parallel that I was referring to earlier.
We need only to look around at the success of godless individuals in Hollywood
Yes, anyone can be motivated to aspire to greater heights in self-worth, and to go forth and conquer fear and the roadblocks that cause stagnation in one’s life, but the bottom-line to the ‘equation for success’ is about eighteen inches long. It is the distance from the brain to the heart.
If we accept, as truth, the promise in the Bible, (Philippians 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and believe in our heart that it is for us today, we can move mountains, as it were, while giving God the glory when goals are achieved; rather than becoming puffed up in self-accomplishment and saying, “Look what I did.”
The mantle of peace is stimulated and attained when self is removed from the throne of well doing. When the gratitude of one’s ‘heart of flesh’ is directed properly in God’s direction (as it should be), and He is recognized as being the sole reason for success, rather than the ‘brain of stone’, known as self-will, being praised; we tap into God’s resources of living water that will never run dry, thus, living in peace; having an abundant life in Christ.
When anyone leans upon their own abilities and understanding, these delicate areas can be influenced by freewill, which create a feeling of, “Who needs God?” The more the Prince of Peace is ignored and snubbed, the deeper in despair a person falls prey; causing vexation of spirit.
(Proverbs 3:5-8), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” vs.6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” vs.7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” vs.8 “It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.”
When we place God in His rightful place on the throne of our heart, He gives us the desires thereof without the aggravation that accompanies pig-headedness and self-will living.
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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