Bible Reading: Philippians 1 :3-6
I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again. Philippians 1:6
SUPPOSE YOU WANT TO communicate to someone that he or she is totally special to you. You don’t say it with stinkweed. You don’t dial a florist and have a dozen dandelions delivered. You buy a gorgeous long-stemmed rose. Bigger and better yet, you buy a bunch of roses. Why? Because roses are the crowning achievement of God’s work in the flower department. Here’s the surprise: A rose left to itself stays small and thorny. But with loving care from a gardener, the rose reaches its full potential.
Perfect as you are, you’re still not all you’re capable of becoming. There are some things you can do to let God train you to become all you are capable of becoming. These training tactics don’t increase your value as God’s child, but they prepare you to serve Christ in greater ways than you could ever dream. Try these:
- Don’t label yourself negatively (like ”I’m stupid,” etc.). You tend to live down to negative labels you stick on yourself.
- When you fail, admit it to God. And then refuse to browbeat yourself.
- Be as kind to yourself as you want to be to other people.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. You are unique. God enjoys your uniqueness, so have a similar attitude toward yourself.
- Focus on God’s grace, love, and acceptance, not on criticism from others.
- Help other people see themselves as God sees them by accepting them, loving them, and encouraging them.
- Be positive. See how long you can go without saying something noxious about another person, situation, or yourself.
- List the things you can change and what you will change, along with how you will change and when you will change.
- List the things you would like to change but can’t, and how these facts of who you are can benefit you.
- Look your best. Take care of yourself by getting rest, good food, and exercise.
- Use and develop your talents, like playing a musical instrument, working with wood, playing a sport, etc.
- Develop your God-given spiritual gifts and ministries.
REFLECT: Aren’t you grateful that God is always with you to help you grow to your til’ fullest potential?
PRAY: Pray through the above list. Ask God to empower your efforts.
