The Joel Espanol Maturan Blog: December 2025

Discover what the Bible teaches about leadership, accountability, and serving others. Learn practical lessons for public servants, community leaders, and anyone striving to make a positive impact.

- Moses interceded for his people when they went astray.

- Nehemiah carefully planned Jerusalem’s walls with both efficiency and compassion.

- Deborah led Israel with courage, wisdom, and fairness.

- Making environmentally responsible decisions

- Listening to marginalized voices

- Ensuring community development projects are inclusive and sustainable

- Look around your community, workplace, or school.

- Identify one area where you can step up as a servant-leader.

- Take one small action that benefits others without expecting recognition.

- Reflect on how your leadership can inspire trust, justice, and positive change.

Leadership Is Service, Not Status

When we think of leaders, we often imagine titles, offices, or influence. The Bible presents a different picture. In Matthew 20:26–28, Jesus says:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

True leadership is about serving others, empowering communities, and putting the collective good above personal gain. For those involved in community-driven development or public service, this is a principle to guide every decision.

Accountability Is Non-Negotiable

The Bible emphasizes accountability for all leaders. Romans 14:12 reminds us:

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

Every action carries responsibility—especially for public servants, community leaders, and environmental advocates. Being accountable means making ethical choices, admitting mistakes, and standing up for justice, even when it’s difficult.

Wisdom and Justice in Leadership

Biblical leaders like Moses, Nehemiah, and Deborah teach us that wisdom and justice are central to leadership.

In today’s world, this might mean:

Biblical Leadership in the Filipino Context

Filipinos have a strong tradition of bayanihan—working together for the common good. Biblical leadership reminds us that authority should be used to guide, serve, and inspire, not control or dominate. Humble, accountable leadership fosters trust and encourages positive change in every community.

Our Challenge: Lead Like We Serve

Here’s a challenge for us this week:

Remember, leadership is not just a title—it’s a call to serve and make a difference. Every act of service, every ethical decision, and every effort to empower others reflects the lessons of the Bible.

Lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and inspire through accountability.

Success is one of the most pursued goals in human history. People chase it through wealth, achievements, influence, or fame. Yet the Bible offers a different and deeper definition—one that leads not only to prosperity, but to peace, purpose, and lasting fulfillment. When Scripture speaks of success, it is not merely about results, but alignment with God’s will.

This blog explores how to succeed in life from a biblical standpoint—anchored in faith, grounded in wisdom, and guided by godly principles.

1st.. Success Begins With God, Not With Human Effort

The Bible is clear: true success is rooted in our relationship with God.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 16:3

Biblical success is not self-made—it is God-enabled. The world teaches us to push harder, hustle more, depend solely on ourselves. But Scripture teaches dependence on God as the foundation of everything we undertake.

Key principle: Put God first.

When your plans are aligned with His will, success follows in His time and in His way.

2nd.. Walk in Wisdom—God’s Blueprint for Success

The book of Proverbs is essentially a manual for successful living. King Solomon, known for unparalleled wisdom, teaches that success is tied to applying godly principles in daily life.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom leads to good decisions. Good decisions lead to good outcomes.

That is Scripture’s formula.

Practical applications of biblical wisdom:

- Be diligent, not lazy (Proverbs 10:4)

- Be honest and just (Proverbs 11:1)

- Seek counsel from godly people (Proverbs 15:22)

- Avoid foolish and impulsive choices (Proverbs 14:15)

- Control your tongue (Proverbs 15:1)

Success does not happen by accident—it is the fruit of wise living.

3rd.. Live With Integrity: God Honors Character

The Bible associates true success with righteousness, not shortcuts.

“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”

Proverbs 20:7

Integrity is the currency of God’s favor.

In Scripture, God consistently honors those who walk uprightly—Joseph, Daniel, Ruth, and many others.

Integrity does more than build reputation—it builds trust, opens opportunities, and protects you from self-inflicted losses.

Key point:

Compromise may give temporary gain, but integrity produces lasting success.

4th.. Practice Diligence and Excellence

The Bible rejects laziness and repeatedly promotes diligence as a path to success.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”

Colossians 3:23

This means:

- Show up consistently

- Honor your commitments

- Give your best effort

- Avoid mediocrity

Excellence is not perfection; it is faithfulness in the details.

When you work as if God Himself is your supervisor, excellence naturally follows—and God rewards it.

5th.. Embrace Patience and Perseverance

In Scripture, success often takes time.

Biblical characters endured waiting seasons before their breakthroughs.

Joseph waited 13 years

David waited 15 years

Abraham waited 25 years

Moses waited 40 years

Why? Because patience grows character, and character prepares you for what God prepared for you.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

Success is not only about talent—it is about endurance.

6th.. Seek God’s Guidance Daily

Our plans may look good, but only God sees the entire picture.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:105

Daily prayer and Scripture reading:

Clarify decisions

Align your heart with God

Remove confusion

Strengthen discernment

Success requires guidance. And God gives wisdom generously to those who seek it.

7th.. Build Healthy, God-Centered Relationships

The Bible emphasizes community.

“Walk with the wise and become wise.”

Proverbs 13:20

The wrong company can destroy your future.

The right company can accelerate it.

Biblical success requires:

Mentors who guide you

Friends who strengthen you

Family who support you

A church that equips you

You were not designed to succeed alone.

8th.. Be Generous—Success Is a Channel, Not a Container

Generosity is one of the most powerful biblical keys to success.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Proverbs 11:25

The world says: accumulate.

God says: share.

Generosity unlocks blessings because:

It reflects God’s nature

It breaks greed

It brings joy

It positions you for God’s provision

When your success becomes a blessing to others, God entrusts you with more.

9th.. Define Success the Way God Defines It

Biblical success is not measured by positions, possessions, or popularity.

It is measured by faithfulness.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…”

Matthew 25:23

God’s definition of a successful life:

Faithful stewardship

Godly character

A life that honors Him

A legacy of righteousness

Serving others

Finishing the race with faith

Success is not what you build, but who you become through God’s grace.

Conclusion: The Secret to True Success

To succeed biblically is to live aligned with God’s will, grounded in biblical wisdom, clothed with integrity, and driven by love. When you anchor your life on God—and walk according to His principles—you experience success that is purposeful, peaceful, and eternal.

The world can give temporary success.

But only God can give success that satisfies your soul and stands the test of time.

If you want to succeed in life, begin with God.

Because the One who created your future is the only One who can guide you to it.