Professionals offer various tips on how to succeed in life. Most include things like have a vision, be honest, show gratitude, and persevere. When Jesus was about to leave the earth, He left his followers and us His formula on how to succeed in life. He said this in John 15, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing…. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow. This is my commandment. Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” Jesus says the pathway to success in life is by trusting and obeying Him, and those who choose to do so can expect overflowing joy, confirmation of discipleship, answered prayer, and fruit-bearing that honors God the Father. So the secret of a productive life is in trusting and obeying Jesus Christ.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
