I have a pretty good job. It's a job I enjoy, most of the time. It's hard work to like it all the time. It winds me up at times so I guess that means I'm passionate about it too. I've been given extra responsibility within an important area in the school which gives me confidence that someone somewhere thinks I am good at my job. A compliment. I receive advice from my colleagues, but give it too. And am asked for my opinion and give it. At work, I have confidence.
At church, I sing, not because I claim to be a singer, but because I am passionate about worshipping God. I cringe at times about what people must think, but my passion carries me through - it's not about me, it's about God...if, through my mediocre voice I can promote an attitude of worship, enabling other people to worship...and deeper, then I'm up for that, regardless of tunefulness.
I work within the Children's Ministry team, again an area where I feel convicted to serve. A place where I am skilled to work. I'm part of a team who enjoy working with children, who live (and love) to enable children to meet with God.
Yet something is holding me back. Opportunities arise, situations change.
And I'm scared to stand up and be counted.
Wednesday's 'The Word for Today' made me sink in my chair with these thoughts running through my head.
Where do I stand within each of the principles it presents?:
Never think or speak negatively about yourself , that puts you in
disagreement with God.
Meditate on your God-given strengths and learn to encourage
yourself, for much of the time nobody else will.
Don't compare yourself to anybody else. You're unique,
one of a kind, an original.
Focus on your potential, not your limitations.
Remember, God lives in you!
Have courage to be different. Be a God-pleaser, not a
people-pleaser.
Determine your own worth instead of letting others do it for
you. They'll shortchange you!
Keep your shortcomings in perspective - you're still a work
in progress.
Focus daily on your greatest source of confidence - the God
who lives in you!
I've highlighted the areas I think are a real priority for me, in red! The reading begins:
God knew the specific purpose you were born to fulfil, so He provided the gifts you'd need, including the environment required to put it all together. Then he looked at you and said 'very good.' Can you say that too? Why is that important? Because others will treat you according to how you treat yourself! This is not pride, it's just healthy self-esteem based on God's opinion of you as revealed in His word.
Wow! With that paragraph in mind, nothing should hold me back. So, I think I'll start work on embedding those principles. One a week...one a month...one a year?
I'll get back to you on that progress report.
