I was listening to one of my mentors the other day and was taking some notes on four really simple yet profound points that can radically shape our lives for the better if we choose to follow them.

These four pillars are the foundation of how he lives his life, and from the results of his success in business, family, and in touching the lives of others, I know these guidelines have served him very well and will do the same for you.

Most of us have heard what I’m about to share before, but how many of us actually practice and live out our lives in the way we know that is right for ourselves and for others?

Alot of times, we know what to do and what is right, but don’t act on that knowledge. That can be a really frustrating place to be in. You may have an idea of who you want to become, what your life looks life, and how you want to act, but you don’t actually live it.

Many times our desire for growth gets stopped at the starting gate since we feel daunted at what we think is going to be a huge effort to get to the level we want to be at. The key is to just get started in your journey. Each step you take will help give you more momentum and propel you forward toward your goals. Pretty soon, your life will be one of constant increasing growth, wisdom, blessing, and influence. All you need to do is just take those first steps and keep moving!

Ok, the following 4 points will help you to grow and develop that momentum in your life. If you follow these basic guidelines and develop them consistently, your life will be forever changed for the  .

#1 - Choose the spiritual life. (Philippians 4:6-9, Colossians 3:2)

This means to pray and develop a relationship with God and ask him for help. God gave us His wisdom to learn from and meditate on in the Bible. The study of the Bible is the only success book you will ever need to read. It is the source out of which all wisdom flows. It is our manual for living that is filled with every good thing needed to meditate and act upon. My challenge to you is to read it with an open heart and mind.

#2 - Surround yourself with like-minded people.

Who you receive your counsel advice and fellowship from has a great bearing on your progress in life. Proverbs 27:17 talks about the importance of fellowship to sharpen each other’s countenance. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, it says that bad company corrupts good habits. So, go find yourself mentors and friends that will help you move forward.

#3 - Live a life of gratitude. (1 Thess 5:18)

Thankfulness is the key to having joy. Joy is different from happiness. Happiness is based on circumstance and joy is based on belief. Again, the key to joy is to live a life of thankfulness. When you realize that every good thing (James 1:17) in your life is given to you by God and not from anything you deserve, you become thankful. You also become thankful because of the fact that God’s heart is to bless you continually, and He has given us all the tools to find out how to be blessed in His word.

#4 - Honor others always.

A life lived that honors others is a life that unlocks the door to God’s blessing. The Bible instructs to honor all people no matter if they deserve it or not. Romans 12:10 and 1 Peter 2:17 are pretty clear on that fact. These verses don’t even scratch the surface on the importance of honor in the scriptures. The reward for honor is clear when Jesus says in John 12:26: “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” Imagine your life being honored by God. That is the reward you get for honoring everyone. Two examples of this in the Bible are Joseph and King Solomon, two of the richest most blessed men in history! The honor that God bestowed on them can happen to you.

I strongly recommend picking up a copy of Honor’s Reward by John Bevere as it will greatly ingrain the principles of honor in your life.

Well, I pray that you are encouraged, equipped, and energized by these 4 guides to living life the right way. I know they will help you as much as they have for me.