What is success? One source defined success as "the ability to buy a Mercedes with petty cash." Yet another slightly more credible source described success as "a favorable accomplishment" or "prosperity." In our last installment, we noticed the basics or ingredients that God supplied Joshua in the first chapter of the book that bears his name. If Joshua chose the proper role models, namely Moses; if he understood what his goal was; and if he trusted in the Lord in every situation then success would be his (Jos. 1:7,8).

In this article we will notice three more basics that were to allow Joshua to enjoy success before Jehovah. Joshua’s success would be dependent upon…

1. Living Courageously (1:6,7,9). Success in any field begins with courage. It takes courage to try new ideas, to stretch one’s self, to leave the realm of the comfortable to the realm of real growth. Joshua had a huge task in front of Him (Jos. 1:2,6). He would have to overcome the enemies of God and remain faithful to the Law of the Lord (Jos. 1:7,8). This would take courage. Courage is needed in standing up for Jesus. This courage is made possible by understanding, as Joshua did, that the Lord will not leave us nor forsake us (cf. Heb. 13:5). He has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7). Therefore let us be willing to "wage the good warfare" (1 Tim. 1:18) and to "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12).
2. Knowing God’s Word and Doing It (1:7,8). Joshua’s success would be dependent upon observing the Law of Moses, not turning to the right hand or to the left (Jos. 1:7). The Law of God was not to depart from his mouth but rather he was to meditate in it day and night for the purpose of carrying out ALL of it (Jos. 1:8). Spiritual success is still dependent upon knowing God’s word and doing it (Jas. 1:21-23).
3. Possessing Proper thoughts (1:9). Success comes when we think successful thoughts. The Lord provided Joshua with all the comfort needed (Jos. 1:5,9). Therefore, there would be nor reason for fear or dismay. Proper attitudes breed successful living. How is your attitude? Do you murmur and complain (Phi. 2:14)? Or do you rejoice in the fact that you are a child of God headed for Heaven, the Lord being with you every step of the way (Mt. 28:20)? Let us think proper thoughts that aid in our spiritual prosperity (Phi. 4:8).

All of us should desire real success, the kind of success that is based upon the fact that we are walking faithfully with our Maker. Again, this success is made possible when we live courageously, know God’s word and do it and possess proper thoughts. Three words, CAN, WILL and NOW help lead to spiritual accomplishments. I CAN live, as God wants me to live. I WILL live, as God wants me to live. I will live, as God wants me to NOW. Are you successful? If not, why not? God’s word contains all the basics.