First – Learn to use your rearview mirror properly. In driving a vehicle, it is important to periodically glance in your rearview mirror. But to stay focused on your rearview mirror without looking forward is to court disaster or possibly death. Like wise we should look at the past and cherish our heritage, but we must not stay focused on the past. We must move forward into the future. Be visionary.

The Apostle Paul said, “ . . . this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:13, 14).

We have a tendency to long for “the good old days”. We forget that perhaps they weren’t all that good. I wonder about the Israelites longing to return to bondage in Egypt. We are admonished by Jesus to “remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32; Genesis 19:26). Lot’s wife looked back with catastrophic consequences.

Second – When you are stuck, stop spinning your wheels. Having lived in the north for several years, I like to think that I have learned to drive in the snow and on ice. When you’re stuck - don’t spin your wheels. To do so will put you in a rut or a ditch. Go get help. It’s okay to ask for help. “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Be sure to ask for God’s help. Notice in the Psalms how many times David asked God to help him. (See Psalm 121:1; 124:8.)

Third – If is smells bad, it is bad! I like fish but if it smells bad I have a hard time eating it. A chef once told me that if food smells bad it is bad. Likewise, if anyone has a bad attitude, character, a foul mouth, or a carnal immature nature, it can be a detriment to your life or endeavors. “Bad company corrupts good character” (I Corinthians 15:33 NLT). “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Believers in Christ are commanded to crucify the flesh (evil desires and behavior). (See Galatians 5:24.)

Fourth – Sweat the small stuff. I have always heard “don’t’ sweat the small stuff”. It’s true that we should not be anxious, but successful people and businesses give careful attention to the “small stuff”. Have you ever been to Disney World? Notice the attention they give to detail. Little things left undone or done poorly can be our downfall. While we should not be compulsive-obsessive about details, we should do our best with what we have and strive for excellence. “It’s the little foxes that spoil the vines” (Song of Solomon 2:15).

Fifth – Who’s on first is not on second. A baseball player cannot play first base and second base at the same time. We must understand our role and place of service. Don’t envy someone else’s place. Excel where God has placed you. (See Romans 12.)

Sixth – It takes a team. Teamwork makes a dream, business, marriage, or ministry work. While we have different roles in life, each is essential. As gifted a quarterback as Kurt Warner is, the Rams must play as a team to win. No one individual can win a game. (See Romans 12.)

Seventh – the spiritual aspect of life is the most important element to true success. Integrity, character, servant hood, and happiness all flow out of true spirituality. Being in right relationship with God brings success and purpose in life. Jesus said, “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Believers in Christ are given powerful spiritual weapons and armor to win in life and to defeat the enemy of life. (See Ephesians 6.)

Are you spiritually alive and winning in life? You can be by making Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord.

A - Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

C - Confess and leave your sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)