To whom or to what do you attribute your success. Many people attribute their present status to a variety of influences that include both major and minor influences. Many say their ability to write is because wonderful teachers took their hands in their hands. There are many musicians who look back on a tough music teacher who insisted on rigorous discipline as the source of their musical talent. Still others accredit a tough coach for athletic skills and abilities or some other challenging mentor who developed their abilities. Everyone attributes their success to one influence or another.

   There are many who say that the reason for their professional success is their education from fine institutions such as Southern University, or Grambling. Yet, education alone does not guarantee success. There are many people who have superior education who are incarcerated. There are others who have exquisite educational backgrounds but are unemployed. Obviously, there is a reason behind the success, a secret that is unrevealed to the general public that accounts for whatever we have accomplished.

   There are some who credit their business success to their networking management skills. They conduct workshops and clinics to show others how they did it. Business knowledge, management skills and experience play a major part in our business success, but there are millions of people with the same skill and ability who did not succeed. There has to be component that makes your situation different from the others. What made your effort succeed when similar efforts of others failed? Whats the difference? Obviously, just your knowledge and skill alone did not make this happen.

   In the same sense, there are many who attribute their salvation to type of church to which they belong. Is being a Methodist, Catholic or Baptist that saved us from ourselves? Is it holding membership to a church with a high ceiling, large steeple and comfortable settings that saves us? Does church membership itself impact our salvation at all? There are millions of church members who fill our pews on Sunday but are not saved. Many of these may preach, teach Sunday School or work in church ministries and still not be saved. If church membership alone could do the trick then all of us could boast a sure salvation, because we belong.

   The source of our success and our salvation is the same. Nothing but the grace of God can account for our ability to overcome the many obstacles that we have faced.

   Nothing but the Grace of God can account for our overwhelming rise despite adequate opportunity.

   Nothing but the Grace of God can account for our survival in these perilous times.

   When it comes to our salvation, we know that it isnt our church, denomination or service that saves us because thats something that can only be done through the blood of Christ.

   As Christians, we are sure that our salvation is from one source. We dont think or guess about it. We agree with the words of the song writer who said, I know it was the blood that saved me. Today, remember you will not be operating on your own power. You will be powered by the Grace of God. The blood of Jesus will see you through this day.