Sometimes, especially in Christian circles in the United States, it sounds like we expect God to “miracle up” some success for us.  As though he’s a genie in a bottle, who exists to fulfill our every whim.  But that’s not what Scripture says and it’s often not our experience, either.

Rather, success requires that you work really hard to  become really good at what you do.  That’s not to say that relationships and opportunities aren’t important.  They are.  But you also have to work really hard.  That’s just the way it is.

A Couple Quotes

Just this morning I came across a great quote that Steve Mark shared:

The foundation of lasting self-confidence and self esteem is excellence, mastery of your work.

Brian Tracy (via Steve Mark on Facebook)

That reminded me of a similar passage I keep reading in Proverbs

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

Proverbs 22:29

Success Requires Mastery

Both of these address something similar.  The idea that if you want to be successful – really successful – you need to be really good at what you do.  You have to work hard.  And success isn’t about not having to work.  Rather, success requires work.

What does it mean?

This is the part where you get to work through this concept.  Think about it for a minute.  Do you agree or disagree?

Question:

What does working really hard to become really good look like for you?