Five Pauline keys to Success

1 Cor 9:24-27  24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Imagine if you will – working on one goal, one dream, everyday for four years and having it come down to an event that in most cases only lasts for a few precious seconds. All that blood, sweat and tears to see if you get the gold medal … and either the glory is yours or you go home without the prize.

In this scripture Paul states the five keys to winning in life, the five keys to success.

1.      Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly…(Verse 26)

Paul’s first key to success is Vision and Goals. Have a Goal for your life. Have short term and long-term goals. If you live a life aiming at nothing, chances are you are prone to hit it. Aim at something in your life.

2.      Run in such a way as to get the prize…(Verse 24)

Paul’s second key to success is Passion. Don’t give a mediocre, half-hearted, lethargic, weak attempt at doing things. Do it with all your might and heart.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” Eccl 9:10

May it be at your work place or ministry or cooking or preaching…do it with all your might. Push every cell in your body to excellence. Excellence is not an accident it’s a choice.

3.      I beat my body and make it my slave…(Verse 27)

Paul’s third key to success is Discipline. Learn to say “NO”. Don’t be mastered by your emotions and feelings. Master your body and mind. Deal with distraction, pressures and don’t let them sidetrack you.

“NO” is a very anointed word. Jesus defeated the devil three times on the mount of temptation with that word. Don’t be ruled by your emotions walk by faith and discipline.

4.      Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training…(Verse 25)

Paul’s fourth key to success is Training. For any one to be successful you must train yourself. Remember practice makes perfect or practice makes permanent. Most athletes train for years before the win one medal.

Find out what your goals are and find a coach or mentor. Train yourself vigorously towards that goal. Have an accountability partner who will check on your progress.

5.      We do it to get a crown that will last forever …(Verse 25)

Paul’s fifth key to success is Motivation. Motivation will provide a Momentum in your life. Paul is saying motivate yourself by looking at the reward before your eyes.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. —Hebrews 12:2

Even Jesus motivated himself to go to the cross by looking forward to that reward. What was his reward the faces of thousands of souls that will be saved from hell because of his decision.

The Moravian Missionaries had a motivation for their mission – “To win for the Lamb the rewards of his sufferings”. That is a great motivator.

May God help us succeed in all areas of our life.