The Divine Criteria for Success

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8

I’m not going to tell you, “Read through your Bible every week…or four times a year… or once a year… or read through a different translation of the Bible every year…or read 15 chapters a day.” And certainly my message is not that you need to go to Bible school, a Bible institute, or a seminary. No, I want you to know the foundational element of success according to Joshua 1:8 — ”this Book of the Law.” The Bible is the starting place for everything that matters, for all that really counts for success.

In this verse, God is speaking to Joshua. He’s giving him a new job assignment — to lead God’s people into unfamiliar territory, to conquer it, to divide it, and to settle it. How will Joshua know if he’s successful? And what is success? It’s not wealth. It’s not a title or a position. It’s not what you own, who you know, or a list of accomplishments. And it’s not being named in a Who’s Who book. No, success according to God and as recorded in Joshua 1:8 is:

  • knowing God’s Word
  • reading and studying God’s Word
  • thinking about God’s Word
  • obeying God’s Word
  • speaking God’s Word
  • following God’s Word with all your heart

When we follow this divine criteria, we’re succeeding in God’s eyes and useful to Him for fulfilling His purposes. We may not measure up to the world’s expectations or its definitions of success, but God is well pleased.

Read The Divine Criteria for Success on Elizabeth & Jim George.


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Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


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