Run Your Race
Run Your Race
How often do we look for direction in our life but find conflict in our heart? There is one place to go that will give clarity. The Bible. That doesn’t mean it will give us step by step instructions. It does mean it will reveal our motives, objectives and God’s disposition.
Paul sheds some light on the power and purposes of the Bible.
“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 Amplified Bible (AMP)
We often say “God, we want to do your will in our life,” but really mean God we want to do our will and would like you to put your stamp of approval on it.
Hmm, for me there have been many times I had my agenda; my goals, because they seemed appealing; pride, maybe envy. I wish I could do what the other person was doing. Or the converse; I could never do that, I’m so not equipped. I could never succeed. Maybe it’s that I don’t have the; education, money, drive, discipline…etc.
As we look on, we find the grass is always greener on the other side, at least in our minds.
BUT, God has placed inside of each of us all that we need to be all that we were created for.
With our personalities, gifts, and talents we can dream big. But, what is it we have a passion for the most? What is it that we…“cannot not” do? That is what we were created to do.
It isn’t about our self-created rationalizations with God about why or why not that help us. It is in the fulfillment of who God has created us to be that helps us. My mission statement since I was 28-years-old is:
“To teach people how to reach their God-given potential through the power of Jesus Christ.”
For probably 30 years I had stated: “I’m not a teacher.” I have mentors; friends, people that I admire that are teachers. And me? I’m not even close to the teacher they are, at least in my eyes.
Until recently I believed that I helped people consider options; to strategize or plan. But never did I consider myself a teacher. Finally, I realized that just because I wasn’t a traditional teacher like many of my mentors didn’t mean I didn’t teach people. In fact, I have been told I live up to my mission statement of being just that; a teacher.
God was clear when He imparted that mission statement to me so many years ago thereby fulfilling my need to do what I “cannot not” do.
When we use Hebrews 4:12 as the plumb line compared against our dreams and passions our motives become clear. Whether it is our insecurities or strengths driving our ideas we find that looking at what God says about us matters. It gives us confidence when we have none or it cautions us when pride is driving our agenda.
When we spend time in His Word we learn about how to weigh our walk with God. In Galatians Paul gives us the basis to judge our motives. Let’s listen to what he says:
“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.”
Galatians 5:22-26 MSG
We were created to live full, textured lives. Lives that are a reflection of our Heavenly Father to this world. Each one of us is equipped to do what we have a passion for. Lives that are marked with love, grace, joy, peace, mercy, and kindness. When we study His word we see that God’s character is the foundation of His decisions and plans for us. It is with that same character that God wants us to base our plans our passions.
What is it that you “cannot not” do? (eg. What is your passion?) Are you willing to use Galatians 5:22-26 as a barometer to guide your heart?
