Tag: focus

Galatians 6:1-5

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.

The Internet has given many people the opportunity to express opinions. Many people have decided to speak up about 1 million things without solutions. Most people have made it a point to become extremely critical without facing anyone. Unfortunately, it is created a culture that doesn’t live into grace or healthy human interaction.

What is it about hiding behind keyboards or failed religious practices that give people the boldness to sit on a seat of superiority, knowing that God has never given up the throne. Why do we still have the audacity and the unmitigated goal to dehumanize one another in the name of bad theology or holding fast to our preferences?

The only time humanity is most like God is when we demonstrate love, grace through care, and humility with understanding. What does it matter if we crucify a person if we never take the time to lean into their resurrection? Our judgment of people will never be godly. It’ll only an ungodly or foolish attempt to appear more righteous than we could ever claim.

My one responsibility to all around me is to make certain that restoration is available for those who might fall knowing that I am just as frail as any other human being. Why is that important? Because all people need the opportunity to rebound from their worst day. Be careful of how you treat God‘s creation. One day you might be in need of restoration yourself.

Romans 11:29-32

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.

I can honestly say that every person has had plenty of foolish moments. We have made decisions out of frustration, anger, near-sided emotion, and ignorance. Sometimes, we begin to reflect on our mistakes to the point where we live in them for far too long.

Trust me, I am not saying that we should never endeavor to be better. I am not telling anyone that learning from our mistakes is not Paramount. However, we must also lean into the grace of God. If we always judged ourselves based on the last bad decision we made, we would never have any way to make it to heaven.

I thank God daily that what has been given to me from heaven Was not predicated upon my merit or performance. It keeps me grounded and humble. I am constantly reminded that I have been chosen to do what I do, but I also have been given a privilege that I should never treat frivolously. Grace is not about how far we can push the limits. Grace is understanding that we have the room to grow and become better.

Today, lean into God‘s grace. Lean into the opportunity to grow in your purpose. Lean into growth as a daily practice, not as an ultimate destination. God has given you Everything you need to prosper. Now grow into it.

Job 1:6-12

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Many people live their entire lives, attempting to be trusted with large things. We pursue excellence in so many different areas of life, hoping that people will notice our capacity to do great things. Yet, many people are unprepared to handle trouble.

Why are we afraid to handle trouble? The truth is no human being desires to deal with troubling issues. Honesty compels me to suggest that human beings are more content with comfort than difficulty. The measure of a person is not how they handle prosperity. The measure of a person is the ability to deal with challenges.

Yes, I want God to trust me with wonderful things. I want to be blessed with every good thing that I can possibly possess. However, I will take it as a badge of honor when I know that God can trust me with difficulty. It is the sign that God knows I can navigate anything because I’ve been prepared for everything.