The Secret Of Success

SERMON OUTLINE AND NOTES

Bridgewater United Methodist Church -- Pastor Don Hawks

07. 15.07

THE SECRET OF SUCCESS

Colossians 3:1-17, 23-24

Pew Bible, NT pp. 190

ANSWERS TO BLANKS---

INTRODUCTION: Don’t hold your nose!

QUESTIONS TO ASK: 1--hold back; go all out;

2-- real Master, God

CONCLUSION: I will not hold my nose!

INTRODUCTION:

As I have been thinking about the changes and new experiences that many of you are or will be experiencing, today, I would like to share with you -- the ultimate secret of success, as suggested by Psychologist and Writer Dr. Rob Gilbert. What is the ultimate secret of success in business, in your career, in sales, in school, in sports, in all relationships, in life, in everything?

The ultimate secret of success (per Dr. Rob Gilbert):

_______________________________________________________!

QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF AS I GO FOR THAT “SPECTACULAR SWAN DIVE” IN LIFE:

1--Am I going to ________________ or am I going to _________________________?

Ever notice how all the movie heroes and heroines go all out? If you want to be the hero or heroine of your own life -- go all out.

According to a story by Aesop, a boy reached into a jar and grasped a handful of filbert nuts. Unwilling to release any, he could not withdraw his hand and enjoy even a few of the filberts.

When you keep holding your nose and jumping in feet first, you’re training yourself to play it safe and you’ll end up living a life of mediocrity. No one shocks the world by holding back and playing it safe. Do you think anyone ever got into the history books by playing it safe and holding back? Of course not! So if you want your life to be a daring adventure -- go all out!

“Life is an exciting adventure or nothing at all.” -- Helen Keller

“Life is difficult” -- M. Scott Peck

In the movie “A League of Their Own” Tom Hanks, playing the manager of an all-women’s professional baseball team, said “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” Of course, Hanks was speaking about baseball, but he could have been speaking about whatever you find yourself involved in life--whether it be at home, church, school or a job. Are you going to hold back or are you going to go all out? As you consider life’s successes I think that is the first important question.

2--Do I work from the heart, as if I am working for my _______________________?

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT

“I have always considered that I work directly for the Chairman of the Board: God.”

“If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give back in kind.” -- Norman Vincent Peale

“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” -- Roger Crawford

On the eve of her 107th birthday, a reporter interviewed Clara Font at the adult day care center she visits every day. According to David J. Pollay, a syndicated columnist she was engaging, lucid, and funny. She had just finished her aerobic exercises with her physical therapist. She had been swinging her legs, and kicking an inflated ball. Pollay was impressed.

Sitting face to face with Clara he asked, “Tomorrow you turn 107, what do you think?” Clara did not hesitate with her answer. She looked right at him, and said with a smile, “Life is a gift.”

Clara’s “life is a gift” metaphor is all the more impressive to me, considering that her first forty years were marked with tragedy.

More about Clara’s life at this web site:

http://pos-psych.com/news/david-j-pollay/20070702302

Think about how the views that you have about your life. Do they lead you to happiness? Do they inspire you to be a better friend, spouse, parent, or leader? Do they open up career possibilities for you? If your images of life are not helping you to achieve your best possible life, what do you need to do to change them?

And if you’re not sure where to start, consider the images and wisdom of someone who recently turned 107 years old. Listen to Clara: “Life is a gift,” and every day is an opportunity.”

CONCLUSION:

The secret to success in my life: __________________________________________________