By Rick Boxx
Early in my business career I spent a lot of time thinking about success. No one takes a job hoping or expecting to fail, so the alternative is to figure out how to succeed. At my disposal were books and audiotapes about achieving success, conferences where success tips were shared, and the insights of more seasoned people that I worked with.
Years later, after striving to succeed in a variety of ways, I discovered a timeless, proven strategy for success. I found it in the Bible. The Scriptures provide many principles for experiencing a successful life and career, but here are four of the many examples that have stood out for me:
In Genesis, we read that
Abraham’s servant was given a very important responsibility. He was to travel to Abraham’s homeland and find a wife for Abraham’s son, Isaac. Success was critical. To travel over 400 miles and come back with the wrong woman would be disastrous for the servant.
Once the servant arrived at Abraham’s homeland, the servant still had the daunting task of determining which woman should he invite to return with him for Isaac. This servant wisely understood his task was impossible without God. So, he implemented the first key to success God’s way: He prayed.
In Genesis 24:12 the servant prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” To experience success God’s way, turn to Him in prayer.
Joseph is another example. He went from being in prison to becoming Pharoah’s right-hand man, being entrusted with power over all of Egypt. Genesis 39:23 states, “The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.”
The second key to success God’s way is knowing success comes from God. If we seek God’s presence and obediently do what He asks of us, success is far more likely. God was with Joseph.
Imagine succeeding the most renowned leader of your time and being asked to perform the one feat your predecessor failed to do. This is precisely what Joshua faced when Moses anointed his replacement. Joshua was fearful and seeking reassurance, but also wanted to know how he could possibly succeed.
In Joshua 1:8 God told Joshua, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” The third key to success God’s way is to meditate on and learn God’s Word.
Unfortunately, learning and meditating on God’s Word only gets you so far. Joshua was informed, but he also had to “be careful to do everything written in it.” Many business leaders quote God’s Word, but if we want God’s favor, He expects our obedience.
Proverbs 2:6 states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.” God wants us to succeed in our mission, but it requires us to follow the fourth key to success: obey His Word daily!
© 2025, Unconventional Business Network. Adapted with permission from “UBN Integrity Moments”, a commentary on faith at work issues. Visit www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a faith at work ministry serving the international small business community.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
- Without considering what you have just read in this Monday Manna, suppose a young business or professional person were to ask you, “What are the keys to success in the marketplace?” How would you answer?
- Many people would state that God has nothing to do with a person’s success, that it is all up to their own abilities, determination and initiative. What response would you have for them?
- Can you think of any other principles for success that you have seen presented in the Bible? Do you agree that seeking to achieve success God’s way is the best way? Why or why not?
- Have you ever prayed about a situation or problem you were facing in the workplace? If so, what kind of response did you receive – if any? How has that shaped your perspective on prayer as it relates to job responsibilities?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
Psalm 119:9-11,14-16,24; Matthew 6:25-27, 33; Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Challenge for This Week
You might consider setting aside some time this week to consider and perhaps re-evaluate your approach toward success – both at work and in your life in general.
Find someone to discuss this with – a mentor, an accountability partner, members of your CBMC group if you are in one. What are their perspectives on success, and how do they relate to the four keys to success God’s way as cited in this Monday Manna.
