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The Seven Laws of Success
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletWhy are so few individuals, both women and men, truly successful in life? What constitutes real success? The answer lies in understanding that no human need ever become a failure. Success is not a matter of chance or luck, but is governed by seven definite laws. All who have achieved success have adhered to these principles, and the path to success is not a purchasable formula but requires personal application of these laws. Many in the world today appear to prosper, yet failures abound. The majority end their lives in disappointment, often becoming dependents by age 60 or 65. The reason is clear: most are unaware of or fail to follow the seven laws of success. These laws are the key to avoiding the tragic trend of failure that plagues scores of millions, chaining them to unhappy circumstances. Success is not merely the acquisition of wealth or status, as seen in the lives of prominent figures like Clark Gable or wealthy businessmen. Despite their achievements, their lives often lacked lasting fulfillment. True success cannot be bought; it comes without price, through the diligent application of these seven laws, leading to a purposeful and abundant life. The first law of success is to fix the right goal. Not just any goal will suffice; it must be one that aligns with true values and purpose, inspiring intense desire and determined effort. Most successful individuals in worldly terms had goals, but they often pursued material ends that led to temporary satisfaction and ultimate emptiness. The second law is education or preparation. Achieving a goal requires acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. While many successful people educated themselves for their professions, their education often failed to encompass the true values and purpose of life, leading to fleeting success. The third law is good health. Without physical well-being, achievement is hindered. Successful individuals often maintain better health than average, yet many lack complete understanding of the laws of health, which are essential for sustained success. The fourth law is drive. Success demands relentless effort and constant propulsion. Half-hearted attempts will not suffice; one must push oneself and overcome lethargy to accomplish meaningful goals. The fifth law is resourcefulness. Life presents unexpected obstacles and emergencies, requiring a clear mind and the ability to solve problems effectively. Success hinges on the capacity to navigate challenges without losing sight of the goal. The sixth law is perseverance. Even with the first five laws, many face moments of apparent defeat. Success requires sticking to it, pushing through setbacks with unwavering faith and determination, as giving up often comes just before a breakthrough. The seventh and most vital law is having contact with, and the guidance of, God. This law, often overlooked, is essential for real, lasting success. Without acknowledging the Creator as the source of all good, even adherence to the other six laws leads to emptiness. True success involves a spiritual dimension, recognizing that material achievements alone cannot satisfy the deeper hunger of the soul. Setting the right goal, aligned with divine purpose, ensures a journey toward enduring happiness and fulfillment.
Set Up For Success
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughMany young people today are drawn to socialism, seeing it as superior to free market capitalism, despite capitalism's success in eliminating many of mankind's worst problems, such as pestilence, hunger, and poverty. Capitalism, with all its shortcomings, provides the freedom for individuals to make their own decisions and produce their own wealth, often leading to personal and economic success. In contrast, socialism grants the state control over wealth, distributing it for its own purposes, which historically has led to disaster in nations like the USSR, China, and Venezuela, where wealth often benefits the rulership rather than the people. For practical success, particularly for young individuals in a capitalist system, a simple four-point strategy is advised: complete high school, get any kind of job, marry before having children, and be a law-abiding citizen. These fundamental principles—education, work, relationships, and personal responsibility—set the foundation for a successful life. Following these steps may not guarantee immense wealth or fame, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of failure and can lead to a comfortable, fulfilling life worth emulating. To build on this foundation, continue learning for both financial and personal growth, secure a good job and remain loyal to it to climb the pay scale, marry a suitable partner before starting a family, and adhere to all laws, including God's laws, which provide boundaries for a fulfilling life. By covering these bases, the odds of achieving a satisfying life greatly increase. Conversely, neglecting these principles—dropping out of school, having children out of wedlock, or engaging in illegal activities—often sets individuals up for failure, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and hardship that is difficult to escape.
Success in This World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSuccess, as reflected in the journey of life, mirrors the development seen in a simulated game where characters must grow and improve through diligent effort. Just as a character who studies and practices ends with a high rating, individuals in real life who strive to learn and grow tend to succeed, while those who waste time on frivolous pursuits often struggle and achieve little. God desires His people to succeed not only spiritually but also physically in this present world, using the principles He has provided to thrive in all areas of life. This success, however, must align with His greater plan, as we strive to become fitting vessels for His use. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of diligence and preparation for success. Proverbs teach that the hand of the diligent makes rich, while a slack hand leads to poverty. A wise person gathers in summer and seeks knowledge, ensuring satisfaction through hard work and planning. The diligent plans lead to plenty, and a good man leaves an inheritance for future generations. Through wisdom, a house is built, and by understanding, it is established, filled with precious riches through knowledge. Historical examples further illustrate this principle. Daniel and his companions, brought as captives to Babylon, applied themselves despite their challenging circumstances. Their dedication led to exceptional wisdom and understanding, earning them high positions where God used them to witness to the most powerful ruler of their time. Similarly, figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Nehemiah, and Esther achieved success in their respective roles, demonstrating that God does not frown on His people being educated, successful in business, or socially well-placed. He makes use of such achievements for His purposes when pursued in righteousness. Ultimately, success and self-improvement are encouraged, but they must remain subservient to the primary goal of glorifying God and pressing toward His Kingdom. The more we learn and expand our horizons, the more God can utilize us in His service, provided our efforts are grounded in His will and aimed at His glory.
Are Our Daily Habits Productive?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSome people, by virtue of their daily habits, set themselves up for success, while others doom themselves to staying poor by their unproductive lifestyles.
Diligence in Practice
CGG Weekly by Mike FordOne author concludes, 'Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.' This describes our spiritual walk as well.
Tamerlane's Ant
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordTamerlane, the 14th century conqueror, learned a valuable lesson from the initiative of a tiny ant, motivating him to turn defeat into victory.
Spiritual Satisfaction
Sermonette byThe Parable of the Rich Fool illustrates that, when one has all the material possessions he could want, he may still not be rich toward God.
Prosperity's Consequences
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsProsperity is not always an emblem of God's approval. God will not prosper us if it would cause spiritual damage, insulating us from seeking His kingdom.
Consider the Butterfly
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCreation teaches the orderly mind of God. The butterfly provides valuable analogies to illustrate our conversion and transformation from mortal to immortal.
The Tenth Commandment (1998)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOne commentator said all public crime would cease if this one law was kept. Another said every sin against one's neighbor springs from breaking this commandment.
The Tenth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEveryone is out to acquire as much as possible for himself. The tenth commandment, however, governs this proclivity of human nature, striking at man's heart.
The Philosophy of Black Friday
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughBlack Friday stirs up greedy, materialistic, covetous attitudes. When a nation reaches a materialistic mindset, it is on its way to oblivion.
Does God Want You to be Rich?
'Ready Answer' by StaffLaodiceans think of themselves as rich, while God sees them as poor. But Smyrnans see themselves as poor, yet God says they are rich! What are true riches?
Agape: Does Not Envy
Sermon by Bill OnisickThe source of envy and covetousness is Satan the devil who coveted God's throne and proved himself as a murderer and liar from the very beginning.
Get Understanding
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIf we ask God for wisdom, we will also need to be ready to work to achieve it. Good results do not just magically happen; 'some assembly' is required.
The Hand You're Dealt
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe hand that we are dealt contains the potential for victory, but not if we are not equipped to play it skillfully and wisely.
Too Good to Ignore
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we become skillful, doing things that perhaps no one else has done, we acquire passion, creativity, control over output, and fulfillment.
God's Rest (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCoveting—lust—is a fountainhead of many other sins. Desiring things is not wrong, but desiring someone else's things promotes overtly sinful behavior.
Personal Finance
Commentary by Mike FordAlthough some installment buying (such as a mortgage) may be inevitable, most installment buying is counter-productive, putting us further into debt.
Resuming Ecclesiastes (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes provides a testimony to the conundrum of life, showing the result of both bad and good choices, enabling us to effectively use time.
Psalms: Book Four: All His Benefits
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll that we have has come from others, especially God. The Day of Atonement points out how needy and dependent on God we are; fasting shows our frailty.
Ecclesiastes and Wisdom
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughThere is a vital linkage between wisdom and understanding, understanding comes only through hard work and experience. Wisdom is skill in living.
First Things First (Part Four): Faithfully Witnessing
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod's measure of success for Noah was not how many sinners he saved from the Flood. If numeric results were God's measure of success, Noah would be a failure.
The Commandments (Part Nineteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus taught that all outward sin stems from inner inordinate desire. What we desire or lust after automatically becomes our idol.