"Favor;" A Biblical Key to Success
By Peter Salemi
Have you ever notice how some people work and work and work and it seems like they are just spinning their wheels and getting nowhere? Where others just walk into a room and are bombarded with opportunities, investments and open doors? Is there a missing ingredient that one person has over the other? Yes! "Favor."
What is "Favor"?
Have you ever been in someone's "favor?" When you are accepted by someone and they enjoy your company; and if you express your loyalty especially when it comes to kings and presidents you benefit from their favor. This is what the Bible means when it says, "My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight," (Gen 18:3).
The Bible Dictionaries are basically in agreement, "Means generally good will, acceptance, and the benefits flowing from these;" (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia under "Favor." Emphasis added).
"Finding favor means gaining approval, acceptance, or special benefits or blessings." (Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology article "Favor" emphasis added).
The Israelites were in God's favor due to Abraham's loyalty and obedience to the King of all Creation. God said, "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
"And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
"Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." (Gen 26:3-5). Isaac was told that "because" Abraham was loyal to him, that Isaac and his seed would benefit from this and receive their birthright. God later told the Psalmist, "Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people:" (106:4). Israel was in God's favor and therefore benefitted from this with amazing blessings that we enjoy today in our Israelite nations.
We also see individuals in the Bible that had "favor" with "the LORD, and also with men." (1 Sam 2:26; Luke 2:52), like Samuel and Jesus Christ! Being "in favor with God and man" means living in a way that earns both divine approval and the respect of those around you. It suggests a life of integrity, kindness, wisdom, and humility-aligning with spiritual principles while also maintaining good relationships and a positive reputation in your community.
It speaks to the delicate balance of living a life that not only pleases the Creator but also earns the respect and admiration of one's fellow human beings. Rooted in biblical wisdom, this concept invites reflection on how to cultivate both spiritual integrity and honorable social standing. It implies balance: seeking to please God through faith and righteousness, while also behaving in a way that others recognize as honorable and just. It doesn't mean compromising your values to gain human approval, but rather living so authentically and morally that both God and people see your goodness.
This verse portrays a holistic form of growth-intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social. It highlights that a life well-lived encompasses not only a strong relationship with God but also positive engagement with the world around us.
Proverbs 3:3-4 states, "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."
The Intersection of the Two
While these paths may seem distinct, they often intersect. A person truly devoted to God will naturally extend grace, compassion, and honesty to those around them. Conversely, living honorably before others can reflect a deeper spiritual commitment. The key lies in authenticity-not performing goodness for human recognition but embodying it because it resonates with one's faith and conscience.
5 Keys to Achieve Favor with God and Man
Here are 5 keys listed below that if implemented in one's life will see a great turn around. People will talk about you when you are not in the room; Doors will open and opportunities will seek you out.
· Favor is a decision not an accident
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." (Prov 22:1). Favor doesn't randomly fall on people, you choose to have favor. It is this daily position you choose through wisdom, obedience and expectation. Brand names like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, KIA and others make sure their brand names are in favor with people-that is more important than profits. They know once the name is trashed, the profits will not follow. Companies make sure they are trustworthy with their service and products and serve their customers. Ruth chose to follow Naomi. That decision led her to the field of Boaz where favor found her: "And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter." (Ruth 2:2). Decisions determine your favor.
·
Favor operates through relationships
Favor flows through people. One person, one recommendation, one
introduction. That is how God shifts lives. Look at Joseph. He was
forgotten in prison until a man remembered his name, and that single
connection placed him in the palace (see Gen 41:9-14).
·
Character unlocks Favor
Again,
"Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write
them upon the table of thine heart: So
shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of
God and man." (Prov 3:3-4). One must be trustworthy in their heart and mind!
The prophet Daniel was excellent, trustworthy and distinguished himself
above all others this is why he rose above all, "Then this Daniel was
preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit
was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
"Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him." (Dan 6:3-4). So one's attitude can position a person, and one's integrity unlocks opportunities, and one's work ethic determines favor. Those things determine whether favor stays or leaves.
·
Favor works on the principle of honor
Honor is a gateway to favor, God says, "...but now the LORD saith...for
them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be
lightly esteemed." (1 Sam 2:30). Honor unlocks access, it literally
accelerates destiny, and it will position a person for divine opportunities.
Esther honored Mordecai's counsel and that honor positioned her for favor
with the king. "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she
obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so
that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of
Vashti." (Esther 2:17). So honor opens doors and greater doors will continue
to open for one with honor.
·
Favor must be recognized and stewarded
"For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the
LORD." (Prov 8:35). Favor once one has it, must be maintained. Saul
had favor but then lost it through disobedience (Acts 13:21, 22). David
however found favor and maintained it where God said, "...I have
found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall
fulfil all my will." (Acts 13:22).
These five points will help you in your success-these are not suggestions, these are laws that unlock favor and success in one's life if followed. When one aligns with these divine principles doors open! People knock on your door and want you! People remember your name-opportunities find you when applying these principles. Favor will shift a person from obscurity to visibility; from exhausting labor to ease. Walk in these principles and watch your life change for the better! "For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12).
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