Bible teaching about
KCSA success system

The Bible study about the KCSA success system is Scriptural, sound, rewarding, and simple. Esmie and I have found that the rewards we have achieved in this life were gained primarily by following this pattern – and with the blessing of God. 

There are tons of books in the market place that promise some secret to victory. Some work. Some don’t. What I will present to you will work. It isn’t a new secret of sorts, but rather common sense principles that are evident in every day life – and are grounded solidly in Scripture. 

This method will work however you define how to be successful, and whatever you want to gain out of life. For the Christian, however, ultimate success is to Glorify God and enjoy His riches forever.

A Qualification

One qualification I must make up front. In the final analysis, it is God who brings achievement to any endeavor. Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6; cf. Proverbs 16:3). 

But, I think you will agree, from the human side of their work, Paul and Apollos were very busy planting and watering. They were geared up and working hard to succeed. The KCSA success system zeros in on what you need to do from the human side to be successful. 

KCSA is an acronym.  It stands for Knowledge, Character, Skills, and Action. It is an expansion on the “know, be, do” theme on our home page. Come with me as I break the four phases down into finer detail. This system will work for you.

Knowledge

Step one is to gain knowledge. In his conclusion to his second letter, Peter’s final instruction to his readers was, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). 

Proverbs is replete with this theme, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning…Wise men store up knowledge (Proverbs 9:9; 10:14).

This is a common sense, self-evident step. Nations, states, cities, villages all have schools – and the purpose of schools is to transmit knowledge.

Whatever you want to be or do, you first have to acquire the knowledge. Do you want to be a teacher, preacher, accountant, truck driver, or computer expert? Then the first thing you must do is to acquire the knowledge about your subject matter. Read books, journals, take classes, volunteer to gain experience, ask questions – whatever it takes to gain knowledge. 

Knowledge is power. The college I teach at has a slogan, “The future belongs to those who are prepared.” Preparation starts with knowledge. True knowledge starts with our knowledge of God (Proverbs 9:10; cf. James 3:17, 18).

Character

Character is important in any success system. Again, the writer of Proverbs states, “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4). I could write out a long list of character qualities that relate to achievement, but in this space I mark down just six that I think are very important. 

• Integrity is one quality. With this I could add words like honesty, trustworthy and faithful (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:1, 2; 2 Timothy 2:2).
• Courage is one quality. There will be many obstacles that bring discouragement, but courage overcomes fear of failure and defeat (cf. 1 Peter 1:6-9; James 1:2-4). Courage gives the motivation to start things when you don’t know if they will work out or not.
• Spiritual life is a quality. This would include faith, godliness, prayer, and acknowledgment of God in our lives and plans (cf. Proverbs 3:5-10).
• Perseverance and diligence is another quality. Paul wrote Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This keeps you going when possible defeat eats away at your courage.
• Initiative and being a self starter is another critical quality for any success system. You have to overcome procrastination, distractions, and get up and get started without having to be told. No one will succeed for you. You must do that for yourself.
• Attitude is also critical. A servant heart, a humble attitude, and a teachable approach to people and problems will carry you a long way toward accomplishment. 

Skills

The Bible teaching about the KCSA success system emphasizes the development of skills. Knowledge is more in the theoretical realm, while skills deal with knowing how to practically get things done. For example, study skills are needed to gain knowledge. Time management skills are needed to organize and execute the activities in your plan.

You may need to develop people skills, skills on managing your emotions, writing skills, accounting skills, counseling skills, public speaking skills, soul winning skills, negotiation skills – you get the picture. 

Without the skills to put your knowledge into action, the knowledge remains in your head. It is where we get the proverb about people who are, “head smart, but street dumb.” Students who get A’s in college are not always the most successful. Many times the most successful are the B or C students who develop their skills, and work harder. 

Action

The Bible teaching about the KCSA success system shouts out the fourth step: take action! This is where motivation, movement, and making it happen reigns supreme. You must think through and write down the specific action steps to your plan - then work the plan. This is where discouragement, distractions, and procrastination may clobber you. 

Among other things, Christianity is an action religion. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). That calls for action.

One step to managing procrastination is to break a big project down into mini steps, then talk your self into doing the first little mini step.

For example, when I look at a writing project, the thing looks so big. I would rather watch TV. I tell myself, “Well, I will just go write for five minutes.” The job doesn’t look so big. Before I know it, I have been there for an hour, and didn’t even know it. That is, unless the Super Bowl is going on. Then nothing else gets five minutes!

Here you have the framework for a success system that will deliver results: KCSA. Esmie and I have tried it. It works. We wish you the best as you dream big, gain knowledge, character, skills, and put effort and action to your success system. 

Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman

BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Study 2 Peter 1:5-8. Using the KCSA success system, organize the best you can the 

various qualities listed by Peter into the categories of KCSA.

2. Study Matthew 28:18-20. What specific action steps does Jesus want His disciples to do?

3. Which part of the KCSA success system does 2 Timothy 2:15 fit into? Explain.

4. We can learn KCSA from observing others, our own life experience, and school. What is another source (2 Timothy 3:15-17)?

5. What goes before knowledge (Proverbs 9:10)? Explain your answer.

6. What should be the ultimate aim and purpose of our life (1 Corinthians 10:31).

7. Where is the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3)?

8. Study Colossians 1:9-14. Sort out the principles into the KCSA success system. 

9. Study 1 Corinthians chapter 12. Explain how that chapter relates to KCSA. 

10. What is the main thing you want to be in this life? Using the KCSA success system, fill in what you 

need to do in each category to accomplish your goal(s).

11. What stands out to you the most in this study? Explain.