For success in life, God is your greatest ally and his people your best friends – Few things will benefit you as much as seeking out God and his people wherever life takes you.  Evil companions will corrupt good morals (1st Corinthians 15:33), while those who associate with the wise will become wise (Proverbs 13:20).  Hang with people who will make you better than you are.

 It is never too early and you are never too poor to remember God with your finances – It is tempting to wait until you are “established” to give liberally, but the blessings that God makes follow generosity are too valuable to neglect and cannot be bought with the money you think you are saving.

 Hard work pays off – We eventually reap as we have sown.  According to Galatians 6:6-10, God promises that he will not be mocked by allowing anyone to reap otherwise.

 Take advice from the right people – There are plenty of clueless goobers out there who take it upon themselves to bless you with their advice.  Before you take anyone’s advice, look at their lives.  If they have succeeded in a Godly fashion, give them an ear.  Beware advice that influences you to build on the sand (Matthew 7:24-27).

Look for a mate who will help you and your children get to heaven – “The Two will become One”, so you’d better be going the same direction if you want peace in your marriage.  Be deliberate about choosing someone strong in the faith.  Note: not all who wear the name “Christian” are strong in the faith, but none are who don’t.

Your best opportunities may be scary – Jacob came to power only after being sold into slavery and later imprisoned.  Moses tried to talk God out of the very thing that made him such a great figure in history.  David was confident that he could whip Goliath only because he previously had to fight a lion and a bear.  As others have well said, opportunity comes dressed in work clothes.

Pursue self-development, rather than self-fulfillment – Hedonism (look it up) never fulfilled anyone in the end.  Those most empty are the ones who “make it to the top” without God and find nothing there.  Why else would so many successful athletes, celebrities, businessmen, politicians and others turn to drugs, alcohol, affairs and even suicide?  God made you to dominate the creation (Genesis 1:26-28) starting with yourself, so do things worthy of your place in the universe.

 Healthy self-esteem is a by-product of doing what is right.  If you want to feel good, do good.  Otherwise, you have no right to feel good.