5/11 Strength for Today

Three Components of Success

Daniel 6:4
“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.”

Success is a funny thing, people want you to be successful, but when you become successful, they then want you to fail. It seems to be part of the sinful nature of man to hope that those who have become successful fail so that we can justify the areas in life where we have failed.

Daniel is certainly one of the great success stories in the Scriptures. Though his character would have driven him to success in Israel if he had not been captured, he still found a way to succeed in spite of circumstances being against him. In order to be successful, we learn from Daniel’s life that there are three things necessary for success when leading people.

First, you must know someone whom others do not know. You will notice that Daniel knew God like few in his day did. This knowledge of God drove others to want to come to Daniel so they could find out what God was like. You will never succeed in leading people if you don't know someone whom others do not know. Of course, the best Person to know would be God. If you know God like others do not know Him, then you will find others will come to you to learn what He is like.

Secondly, you must have something that others do not have. Daniel had a wisdom and insight that others of his day did not have. One of the reasons you need to know God is so that you can have wisdom that others do not have. One of the reasons students should study hard in school is so they can have a knowledge that others do not have. If everyone has what you have, then there is no need for them to follow you.

Thirdly, you must do something that others have not done. In order to lead people, you must be successful at something so others will want to learn from you how to do that same thing in their life. One of the greatest reasons people follow someone is because they want learn how to do what the successful person has done. Until you do something that others have not done you will have a hard time getting people to follow you.

Let me caution you, once you have succeeded in life, others will not be happy that you have succeeded. Notice in the verse above the jealousy of those underneath Daniel. Because of their jealousy these men wanted to kill him. When you succeed in life, you will have a target on you and people will want to see you fail. Don't be surprised when you succeed to see people do everything they can to destroy you.

Godly success is a worthy goal for which you should strive. Just remember that the only way you will succeed and have people follow you is to know, have and do something that others have not known, had or done.