At this point in our conversations together, no doubt most of you know that I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. We have talked about how to turn that suffering into suffering for the gospel through the ministry of reconciliation. Specifically, how to turn suffering into ministry which leads to joy even when things are hard because God always has a redemptive purpose in everything he does or allows. It's amazing how many people are willing to discuss the things of God in the context of cancer, disease, or some sort of trial and difficulty.

Even my own daughters came to visit me from Canada when they heard and we had a wonderful time of clearing the air, forgiving one another, and talking about the Lord. At one point, I said to Melanie, "Mom and I aren't so scared of dying as we are scared that you two girls might not join us in heaven." Strong words indeed.

And, of course, I pointed out that God didn't have any grandchildren, so each person has to make their own decision about the direction of their life. Their relationship with God doesn't have to be perfect, but it does have to be real and a priority, just like marriage, just like having children.

The problem is that my children, like many others, suffer from the Religious Spirit that has infested our churches and they easily confuse a relationship with God and morality or busyness in church or some other lukewarm alternative. How do I get through to them that this relationship with God is meant to be everything to them and anything less just won't do?

That's what this whole book is about, this Holiness Project, this sanctification gap, this walking in the Spirit. Book 5: The 7 Laws of Spiritual Success tries to bring it all together. Spiritual Success isn't a small or light thing. It is everything. It is like saying that we have a successful marriage or that our family life is a success. It means everything to us but takes commitment and hard work every day.

What are the 7 Laws of Spiritual Success?

First, life is ministry. That is a big statement. Everything in life is ministry. Everything that you do, creationally or redemptively, is ministry. Finding out exactly what your Life Ministry looks like is key to everything else.

Second, everything is spiritual. You might think that that is the same thing as the first one but it's not. Did you know that sin is spiritual? Did you know that your job is spiritual? Did you know that everything you do affects your relationships, your marriage, your kids, your relationship with God? You can't compartmentalize.

Third, ambition is expected. That's a surprise. Ambition is usually a dirty word among Christians, but holy ambition is what we are talking about here. Wanting to please God and wanting to make a difference in the furtherance of his kingdom are worthy goals for every believer.

Fourth, discipline is essential. Of course, that is true for anything worth being ambitious about. This is not for lazy people but for those who are willing to be discipled into effective ministry and ready to work hard to achieve it.

Fifth, discipleship is warfare. Life is not all fun and games and if you are not prepared for warfare, you are done before you start. The Devil has no problem with those who are happy to sit in a comfortable pew but a prayer warrior, a minister of reconciliation, or a truly dedicated follower of Christ can cause him no end of problems.

Sixth, stewardship is accountability. Although this includes our time, talents, and treasures it goes far beyond that. It includes our ministries, our relationships, our discipleship. Repentance requires accountability. We are stewards of every aspect of our lives and accountability to others is key.

Seventh, leadership is influence. We like to talk about "influencers" in our day and age and rightly so. Creating a following online through social media, an email list, or just by writing a book or two can all influence people for Christ. I call myself an "Influencer for Christ" Author. However you slice and dice it, if you have any influence over anyone, then you are a leader. Get used to it and get trained in it.

But then there is the missing link that makes all of this possible. I will leave you with the mystery so that you can read that chapter for yourself. This is what spiritual success is all about and what I hope my children, friends and other family members will take seriously. And I hope you will too.