By: T.R. Kelley
Bible Lesson: Taking Aim On Life
Joshua 1:8 – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
EPHESIANS 4:14-15 – That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things…
* There is a formula for success!
– It is not in the “get rich quick” schemes of today.
– It does not come from the power of positive mental thinking.
– There are no modern books in which to receive this formula.
* The formula for success is found in only one book – THE BIBLE!
– To be a true success, one must meditate on God’s Word day and night; and then do what it says.
“Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22)
TAKE AIM ON LIFE, DIRECTED BY THE WORD OF GOD, AND YOU WILL BE A SUCCESS.
REMEMBER – About the most UNCOMPLIMENTARY remark that can be made of one is to say, “HE LIVES AN AIMLESS LIFE.”
I. THE POWER OF WHAT MEN WOULD DO
* It is what men would do – not necessarily what he achieves – that exalts him.
” ‘Tis not what man does which exalts him, But what man would do.” – Robert Browning
NOTE: The Apostle Paul gave witness to the difference between the goal and the achievement in Philippians 3:13-14:
* The supreme incentive for august, or majestic, achievement is noble objectives – AIMING FOR THE STARS!
Though Thou hast time
But for a line, be that sublime
Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
-James Russell Lowell
II. THE GREATS
* The Greats in every age have been purposeful people.
ABRAHAM – “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10)
MOSES – “chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb. 11:24-25)
JOSHUA – who said, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Josh. 24:15)
JESUS – who came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 10:10)
III. PERSONAL AIMS
NOTE: Every individual should make a picture of the kind of person he/she wants to be. After this picture has been thoroughly imprinted on the mind, it becomes the power to mold us into the image we visualize.
* TAKE AIM ON LIFE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Aim to be a man: An adult with an open face, big heart, broad shoulders and a strong back.
NOTE: READ 1 Corinthians 13:11.
2. Aim to be a friend to man. Galatians 6:10 – “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.”
3. Aim to be self – reliant. This necessitates industry, thrift, invention, courage, and doggedness!
* Plan to make a living, stand on your own two feet, and carry your own weight.
NOTE: READ GENESIS 3:19.
4. Aim to be constructive. The wise man is a builder (Matthew 7:24). ANYBODY CAN TEAR DOWN!
It is a good thing to remember,
But a better thing to do –
Always to work with the construction gang,
And not with the wrecking crew.
5. Aim to have God as your only God. Fear Him and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecc. 12:13).
6. Aim to pursue your goals. Look straight ahead, turning neither to the right hand nor the left.” (Prov. 4:25-27)
7. Aim to keep the barrel loaded and pull the trigger. Otherwise, why aim?
NOTE: “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17). Remember – Having the right aim in life doesn’t mean a thing if you’re loaded with blanks.
