Reaching our Potential
Why am I talking about potential in this week’s post? Because we were each put on this earth at this time in history for a reason. We’re called to serve our Lord Jesus.
But my path is different from yours.
Continuous effort–not strength or intelligence–is the key to unlocking our potential. (Winston Churchill
Achieving Greatness in God’s Eyes
Despite intelligence, great talent or natural athletic ability, no one achieves anything in this life without working hard toward their goals. And we all have something to accomplish; God put each of us here to fulfill His purpose.
Now let me caution you. In the eyes of men, our lives might seem small and insignificant. Yet in the Holy Spirit’s hands, the results of our words and actions are often transformed into eternal, life-changing fruit.
My Earliest Challenge
When I first came into Christ’s kingdom in college, I was proud, self-centered and insecure. Immediately, God began to deal with my arrogance in a simple way. He required me to apologize, whenever I hurt someone’s feelings.
I hated doing that!
When I had to apologize, the emotional uproar inside deafened me. I’d reluctantly seek my friend out, mumble “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” and then hurry away. But I kept obeying the Holy Spirit in this area.
I didn’t realize I was humbling myself. I also didn’t know humility is freeing. Over time the Holy Spirit transformed my heart. Now I’m happier, more at peace and less easily offended.
Of course, I still need to apologize, but I’m good at it. After all, I’ve had decades of practice. Oh, and I’m less proud.
Virtues are Vanishing
God is the ultimate multi-tasker. He never accomplishes just one thing. I’ve been changed radically, but what about all the people I apologized to? I believe 100% that God has touched them also.
Right now in America, the old fashioned virtues seem to be fading from our culture. Kindness means more now because there’s less of it. Thoughtfulness also impacts people more powerfully. It’s true of apologies too—they’re getting very rare. Only in heaven will I find out what the Holy Spirit did in the hearts of people when I humbled myself.
Maybe my apology ended up being a link in the chain which led a few people to accept Christ as their Savior.
Remember, God blesses His children’s obedience in amazing ways.
My Spiritual Point
Early in this new year, do some brainstorming. Pay attention to what the Lord has been telling you to do. What individual steps do you need to take in 2024 to pursue God’s purpose for your life right now? For me, I need to get to bed earlier, so I can start writing more.
I’ve also been challenged to write a 1/2 hour a day. The blog’s going well, but I need to branch out and write other things.
What’s God calling you to do in 2024?
All these images came from Pixabay.com, but the hiker image was ai-generated
