Knowing your craft and understanding yourself helps fulfill your purpose

Mark Twain once said, "Write what you know." His stories of adventure inspired people's inner explorers to tie together a raft and head down the mighty Mississippi. What he knew is what he composed.

Understanding and success are at the heart of Proverbs 16:20, which reads, "The one who understands a matter finds success, and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy."

The one who understands a matter that brings success must become a student of themselves. All of God's creatures were made for a purpose. A person of understanding is one who has taken the time and energy to prayerfully examine who they were created to be. They have questioned what gifts, talents, personality and passion they were endowed with. Arriving at this understanding is challenging.

One who possesses the understanding that brings success is also one who knows his craft. Whether that craft is writing, policymaking, manufacturing or something else, a person of understanding knows every angle of their craft. Becoming really good at something takes a lot of energy and focus. Each of us wants to be successful, some even desire to be famous, but few are willing to take up the hard work of sharpening and refining their craft.

Some of the most successful people understand the simple principle of focus. Southwest Airlines quickly rose to success because company officials understood their trade was not flying but people. Southwest's executives continually touted they were in the people business and they happened to fly airplanes. Defining our focus simultaneously channels and fuels our passion and purpose.

The Lord has created each of us for a purpose. He has given each of his creatures gifts, talents, abilities and passions.

Applying deep understanding to who the Lord is brings happiness. Applying deep understanding to who he has created us to be can bring success. Only living in deep honor and awe of the Lord can bring both.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.