When you think of people you know and where they are in life, what thoughts generally come to mind? Do you ever think, “If so and so would just do such and such, his or her life would be so much better?” “Why can’t she seem to get it together?” “He has all of that going for himself and still doesn’t realize it.”
If you’re like most people, you have had thoughts about someone else like the ones described above. But what about applying that line of thinking to someone equally as important – you? Frankly, the “room-for-improvement” theory should hit home first, before it grand slams an area in someone else’s life.
Yet we tend to always see or imagine the better side of life for others rather than ourselves.
Now before you get bent out of shape, I am not advocating a self-centered, “Me-myself-and-I” existence. However, it amazes me how we easily settle for less, when God’s desire always points to the best.
God’s goal for our life is about living fulfilled and purposeful. The work to achieve that goal begins within. So the best to which I am referring has to do with Christian character.
I am talking about rising to the occasion and taking on those sins, weights and shortcomings that keep God’s best work in us at bay. For instance, what purpose will your advanced education serve, if you settle for an inferiority complex, constantly comparing your deficiencies to the gains you see others achieving?
God blesses with you a comfortable income. Yet money is always slipping through your fingers because of irresponsible, undisciplined spending habits. Why surrender to living with a doormat syndrome? Why do you allow others to walk over you? You’re undermining the best you have to offer in talents, abilities and God-given gifts.
Perhaps it is high time to shine a spotlight on areas in your life where you know the better part of you has yet to emerge.
Romans 12:3 urges us, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” But that does not mean you live within the enslavement of a low opinion of yourself. God’s word is not trying to force you into a submissIon that leads to self-degradation.
Personally, I have learned to fight for the good that is inside of me. At times, I’m engaged in a fierce battle against my own thoughts. Some of your biggest giants and most destructive internal demons will do their best work, if you settle for wrong impressions about yourself.
Believe me, there is nothing like winning the war that rages within. Still many people have settled for less so often until it comes natural. They actually think there is nothing wrong with being mediocre.
So how do you begin to fight so that the best of you shine? Well, I believe it starts with a renewed mind. Romans 12:1-2 contrasts being “transformed” and being “conformed.” The derived meaning of the word “trans” has to do with going across. Whereas “con” gets its meaning from the phrase “together with.”
Simply put, transformed has to do with going across whatever has been formed. While conformed suggests to stay with what has been formed. To break it down, if you desire to let your best come forth and shine then you have to move past what has been formed in your mind. Reject those thoughts telling you to settle. Otherwise, you will remain “together with” what has been formed.
Take the bold step and psychologically move past what people or situations say to define and downgrade who you are. In other words, don’t live by labels. Sadly, we waste precious time and energy spinning our wheels so that others will accept and approve us. To our detriment, we want people to embrace our accomplishments or agree with our values.
Instead, God wants you to focus on His plan and purpose for your life, because true, growing and lasting affirmation only comes from Him.
Secondly, do something that you know will bring out the best in you. Don’t wait for that chance, depending on actions or opportunities from others. Create your own opportunity. It is in you. God has instilled potential in you. The second verse in Romans 12 uses the phrase “your reasonable service.” The New International Version translates this phrase as “true and proper worship.” To worship is to reveal God’s worth in your life. Thus worshipping God could be considered a reasonable start to being transformed.
As transformed believers we benefit from the mercies of God. Given this and putting together the previous thoughts, here is what I conclude: As a transformed believer, my worship and outward actions will demonstrate the worth of God, who is in my life.
The same line of thinking could apply to you, if you are willing to believe.
All I am trying to get across is the fact that we were saved to shine the light. Jesus put it best by encouraging us with the words from Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify the Father in heaven.”
Until next time,
Keep the faith