Practicing the Peter Principle (Chapter 6)

Chapter Six

Practicing the Peter Principle
In 1969, Dr. Lawrence J. Peter and Raymond Hull authored a tongue in cheek book called "The Peter Principle" which contends that people tend to rise up the corporate ladder, passing the area where they are the most happy and successful, until they reach their first level of incompetance. There they become stuck and miserable and, thereby, unsuccessful. Another view looks at the tired aspirant who used to be enthused but, having lost his vision and also his drive, says that he is petered out. One employer, observing and employee who had lost his drive and desire for success and achievement, said to his employee, "If you don't get fired with enthusiasm, I'll fire you - with enthusiasm!" Surely self confidence, self assurance and self-worth are more valuable assets than place, position or politics.

I'm not subscribing to the Peter Principle. I am suggesting that the measure of the status quo should be, "Am I happy with myself, my choices, my direction, my opportunites? If not, why not? Where and when was I happier?" Many successful people, including couples, look back and access an earlier time when they were struggling and advancing as their happiest moments. Often current stresses, job and social demands, family responsibilities, and the in-the-rut feeling, rob us of enjoying the here and now. Perhaps fear and doubt have robbed us f the confidence and view we had when we were happier. Were we not then looking outward, accepting challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm, and feeling good in doing good? Were we not happier because others radiated in our happiness?

Another Peter gained great strength in the service of Christ. He had such faith that he walked a while on the water of the Sea of Galilee toward the great source of happiness. We, too, seem to be walking on water when we are bouyed up by enthusiasm, love, and faith. Peter's darkest hours were just before the dawn. He feared for his safety, doubted himself, and denied knowing his Savior. Where he had risen above, he began to sink beneath. When he realized what had been done he wept bitterly.

Peter learned his object lessons well. He rose above his self denial and discovered his divine potential. Just hours before, Christ had said to Peter: "...behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee that they faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22;31-32

May I declare unto you a divine principle - a greater "Peter Principle". In 1 Peter 3:10-18, Peter wrote:

"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile.
Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace and ensue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
But if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be ye troubled;
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear;
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
For it is better, if the will of God be so, tthat ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
For Christ hath also suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God , being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit;"

Peter is saying that if we would find happiness (success) we must enthusiastically accept and emulate Christ, the eternal source of happiness. Peter stresses that happiness continues through hardship and suffering, if we suffer in righteousness. We receive strength from the divine source that draws us into the light. the source that lifted Peter up as he sank into the water on the Sea of Galilee, also taught him faith sufficient to rise above his doubts and dispair, and taught him to look outward.

Peter also declared:
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."1 Peter 4:8

Again Peter emphasises that enthusiasm, generosity, and unconditional love are the keys to success and happiness. Someone said: "Each year countless numbers worry themselves into endless graves, but once and a while there are those who forget themselves unto salvation."

Christ said: "He that findeth his life shall loose it; and he that looseth his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:39

Of those possessing charity and following Christ, Peter declared them to be: "...a peculiar people; that ye may show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."1 Peter 2:9

Christ said: "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

This is the true "Peter Principle" that happiness is inherent in righteousness; that to follow the author of righteousness is to enjoy safety, comfort, and peace. We cannot remain stuck, miserable, and unsuccessful if we are being warmed and comforted and are full of radiant life.

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