“The Secret of Success”

“Then he answered and spake unto me saying, This is the Word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of host.”
Zechariah 4:6

This is not the world’s way of doing things, but in the end it’s the only one that matters. Opinion polls. Marketing strategies. Ten-year plans. Perk charts. Wiring diagrams.
Those are what make for “success,” according to the shakers-and-makers in this world. In fact, these professional gurus have demonstrated great abilties in developing products that will appeal to their target group according to studies and trends.

Sadly, more and more churches (and Christians) are buying into these strategies these days.
For some reason old-fashioned preaching of the Gospel just doesn’t seem to cut it in our always on the go and short attention crowds and the “It’s all about me” generation.

Yet, such was prophesied as we near the time of Christ’s Return (II Tim. 4:3-4). Even so, we should not be deterred from the truth of Gods word. His Word is changeless. And, His Way of doing things also doesn’t change. It is the true and Holy way.

Look at God’s words to Zerubbabel (and us) once again: “Not by might or power”—not by physical strength, clever persuasion, bombs, bullets, missiles, troop strength, financial resources, etc.

“But by My Spirit”—only that which is God-initiated, God-designed, God-sanctioned and God-anointed will pass through the fires of Judgment; all else will fall to “rust, rot and robbers” (Mt. 6:19-21).

That’s why it’s important for us to remember this when we’re attempting to do anything for the Lord God. Only that which has God’s stamp of approval will succeed when everything else has failed (Mt. 6:33).

So, the question is “What am I attempting for God that is impossible to accomplish without His help?” Or, “If what I’m doing suddenly ceased, would others notice or care—i.e., is it really making any eternal impact and difference at all?”

Tough questions, aren’t they? But questions that must be honestly asked if we’re to ensure our “labor has not been in vain” when we pass from this walk of life (I Cor. 9:27; 15:10, 58; Phil. 2:16; I Thess. 3:5).

Remember my friends, " For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of the things done in this body wheither they be good or bad." What he we stood before him even today? How would you stand? What words would you hear? What would you have left to throw at the precious feet of Jesus???

May we spend some time today allowing the Holy Spirit to examine what we’re doing and why. Then, may we listen to what He has to say and make whatever changes are necessary to ensure we’re “walking in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1) and operating in His Strength, not our own.