Tag: Contentment

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Trusting in God’s Plan

Trusting in God’s plan when the future is unknown and incredibly important, takes not just faith but courage. In the chaos of life, it’s easy to feel lost, like I’m stumbling around in the dark, searching for direction. The world constantly demands that I have everything figured out—my career, relationships, and future. I feel pressure to know what’s next and plan every step meticulously, and yet, the more I try to control things, the more uncertain I become. I wonder, am I truly following the right path or just wandering aimlessly, hoping for the best?

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

This verse speaks to me because it reminds me that my plans aren’t the end of the story—God’s plans are. But trusting Him is hard when the road ahead is muddled.

“The most important lesson I have learned is to trust God in every circumstance. Lots of times, we go through different trials, and following God’s plan seems like it doesn’t make any sense at all. God is always in control and will never leave us.” – Allyson Felix, Olympic champion and ten-time U.S. national champion

Hard to Move Forward

There are moments when I’ve tried to move forward, thinking I’m on the right track, only to be met with obstacles. These setbacks often feel like failures. I ask myself, “Did I misinterpret what God wanted for me? Did I miss a sign along the way?” It’s easy to get discouraged and doubt whether I can discern His will.

Isaiah 55:8-9, where God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”

His perspective is much broader than mine, and what feels like failure from my limited perspective may be part of a larger, divine plan. Perhaps the closed doors and disappointments are not rejections but redirections—God is steering me toward something better than I could have imagined.

Walking by faith

2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Walking by faith means moving forward even when I don’t have all the answers, trusting that God sees the bigger picture. It requires surrendering my need for control and admitting that I can’t always understand His timing or methods. But I find peace in those moments of letting go, knowing He guides me.

This surrender doesn’t mean that the journey will be easy. There will still be struggles, doubts, and lonely moments. But in those moments, I can rest in this truth.

Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Even when I can’t see it, God works for my good. His purpose for my life is far greater than the plans I’ve made for myself.

I’ve also learned that trusting God’s plan doesn’t mean I’m passive. It’s easy to think that faith is simply waiting for God to show up, but genuine faith is active. Genuine faith is about stepping out, even when unsure of the outcome. It’s about being diligent in prayer, seeking wise counsel, and being willing to follow wherever God leads, even into the unknown.

“There is a grand designer behind everything. God’s plan for your life is all that happens to you, including your mistakes, sins, and hurts.” – Rick Warren.

The more I walk this journey of faith, the more I realize that success isn’t about achieving worldly goals. True success is about faithfulness—being faithful in small things, daily tasks, and moments when it feels like nothing is happening.

Luke 16:10, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

When I commit my efforts to the Lord, He blesses them in unexpected ways.

It Comes Down to Trust

Ultimately, it all comes down to trusting in God’s plan. I trust that God knows me better than I know myself and that He has a purpose for my life.  God’s plans are far better than anything I could ever design. It’s about learning to be content in the waiting, finding peace in the not-knowing, and surrendering my plans for His perfect will.

And even when the path ahead feels foggy, I cling to this promise:

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

It’s a future I may not fully see, but I can rest in that God is already there, leading the way. My job is to trust, obey, and walk forward by faith.

1 Corinthians 2:5, “so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

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Purpose and Meaning, Aspiration, Not Occupation

Can we find true purpose and meaning through aspiration, not occupation? In today’s world, people often associate their identity with their careers or vocations, believing that their worth and purpose are tied to what they do for a living. However, Christianity offers a different perspective: true purpose and meaning come not from occupation but from godly aspiration—seeking to live out God’s calling and aligning our lives with His will.

“View yourself as a precious vessel He crafted for a unique purpose.” – Patricia Ennis.

The Power of Aspiration

In Christianity, aspiration is about more than personal dreams or ambitions. It reflects a desire to glorify God and live according to His purposes. When we aspire to love, serve, and reflect Christ’s character, we tap into something far more significant than worldly success. This change in thinking can take many forms: fostering compassion, spreading the Gospel, advocating for justice, or cultivating spiritual growth. These aspirations serve others and bring us closer to God, aligning our hearts with His divine plan.

Isaiah 43:7, “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Occupation vs. Aspiration

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you become is your gift to God.” – Hans Urs von Balthasar.

While jobs provide necessary structure and support, they do not define us in God’s eyes. Many people feel unfulfilled in careers that do not align with their faith or deeper values. This discontent stems from the realization that work alone cannot fulfill the soul’s longing for meaning. The Bible reminds us that whatever we do, we should do it as unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people.”

Whether we are teachers, office workers, or stay-at-home parents, it’s not the job itself that gives meaning but how we use it to serve God’s purposes.

The Transformative Journey

“You were made by God and for God. And until you understand that, life will never make sense.” – Rick Warren

Even mundane tasks take on new significance when we focus on godly aspirations. Teachers may see their role as educating and shaping young minds for Christ. An office worker might find purpose in being a beacon of integrity and kindness in their workplace. By centering our lives on Christ and aspiring to live out His love in every action, our daily experiences become opportunities to witness and serve.

2 Timothy 1:9, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.”

Cultivating Aspiration

“Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

To embrace this Christian view of aspiration, we must seek God in prayer and reflection, asking Him to reveal His plan for our lives. The Bible encourages us to set our hearts on things above, not earthly matters.

Colossians 3:2, “Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth.”

We discover our true purpose by nurturing aspirations that align with God’s will—loving our neighbors, spreading the Good News, and growing in faith. Surrounding ourselves with a faith community that encourages spiritual growth can help us stay focused on what matters eternally rather than temporally.

Conclusion

In the Christian pursuit of purpose, it’s essential to remember that our worth is rooted in being children of God, not in our jobs or worldly achievements. When we nurture our aspirations following God’s will, we unlock a more profound sense of meaning that transcends occupation. This perspective enriches our lives and enables us to fulfill our higher calling—to serve God and impact the world for His glory. Embrace your aspirations in Christ, for they are the accurate compass guiding you toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

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We have met the enemy, and he is us.

“We have met the enemy, and he is us.” Walt Kelly popularized this statement in the comic strip Pogo in 1971. Walt Kelly used the modified version of Commodore Perry’s comment, suggesting that humanity itself is responsible for many of the problems it faces.

The quote is a play on the famous line from the War of 1812: the United States Navy defeated the British Navy in the Battle of Lake Erie. Master Commandant Oliver Perry wrote to Major General William Henry Harrison, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”

We are our own worst enemies. We allow negative thoughts to enter our minds and forget that we are sons and daughters of the Most High, who created us perfectly for the plan He has in store for us.

Humility

Surprisingly enough, this is about humility. Being humble is extremely hard. A line of thinking in psychology claims that all human actions are ultimately self-interested, even when they appear altruistic. According to this view, people help others because it makes them feel good, brings social approval, or avoids guilt. Most who believe that humans can be altruistic focus on the lack of need for worldly gains from their efforts. Then, there is the thought that merely intentionally trying to be humble is an act of pride. I’m getting a headache; let’s return to the original thought.

God commands us to be humble.

1 Pete 5:5b, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Humility is giving God and others the stage.  – Cortney Defoe, “In This House, We Will Giggle.”

Going Too Far

What happens when we take humility too far? What happens if we start to believe that we are somewhat inferior to others and, therefore, are not being humble but truthful? In his sermon about humility, Mike Browne suggested that self-incrimination is a form of pride that manifests in false and exaggerated humility. Much of our negative self-talk is about focusing on our weaknesses with an expectation that we should be better than we perceive.

“You cannot practice humility by just being humble. You must practice humility by finding safety and security in God that anchors the weaknesses that God actually wants us to display.” – Jackie Hill Perry.

We all have weaknesses. That is part of the story God wrote about you at your inception. You are unique and perfectly made for God’s purpose, including your weaknesses. Your weaknesses are part of your testimony.

God created you perfectly. God does not make junk. This exaggerated form of humility starts with the perception that we do not measure up. We set a standard for ourselves based on the performance of others. Somehow, we conclude that God gets this perverse joy in watching us compete with each other. That is a lie progressed by social media and human pride.

We are Unique

“Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man, he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody.

Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him.

If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

You can not be someone else, and no one can be you. God planned it that way. Be confident that God will support you in all your efforts if He is first. God will turn your weakness into a strength. Don’t ask God to take it away; ask Him how He wants you to use it. We have met the enemy, and he is us.

Don’t think less of yourself; think of yourself less. – Ken Blanchard

Philippians 2:2-4, “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

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God’s Tapestry of Life

Each of us is a double-knotted thread in God’s tapestry of life. In His greatness, He died for our past, present, and future sins. From sinful man, He created a new creation free of sin. But that new creation lives in a fallen and sinful world. He knew this when He created all our existence. It was done with a plan in mind.

Colossians 1:16, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

Tapestry

“God’s plan will continue on God’s schedule.” ― A.W. Tozer.

Before all creation, God created you. You are a specific piece in an enormous tapestry representing God’s plan for eternity. I remember a trip to Turkey, where I learned about the Turkish rug-making business. I was privileged to see how a Turkish rug was made, from the silkworm to the finished product. It is incredible that, to this day, it still holds to the ancient manual process created thousands of years ago. It has not been modernized. An authentic Turkish rug is made by hand in every aspect, from extracting the silk for the cocoon to hand-dying the silk using berries and leaves to creating the silk thread and weaving the masterpiece by double knotting each thread. It can take nine to eighteen months to make a single rug.

Isaiah 40:28, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”

The fascinating part is that the weaver works from the back side of the rug. They see tied knots of multi-colored thread, row after row. It is only when they turn the rug over that they see the image. The image is made up of millions of tightly knotted multi-colored threads hand-picked from memory. If one thread is out of place, and the image is flawed, the weaver must undo their work back to the point of error and reweave with the correct thread.

Your Thread

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

You are a thread in God’s tapestry. You are important and special. Your life has purpose and meaning. The world looks like a mass of tied multi-colored knots that make little sense to us. To God, it is the perfect image of His creation. Your purpose isn’t to be the picture but to be part of the picture. Most of us are the predominant mono-color of the background. Our place is to frame the multi-colored threads that make up the scene. But without the contrast of the background, the scene loses its impact. We set the stage and make the introduction for the final product. We are the foundation that holds the tapestry together so that the total image can impact the viewer. The viewer is God and God alone. It is His tapestry.

Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Some of us are the multi-colored thread that brings out the scene. But before we give ourselves too much importance, we must remember there are millions of multi-colored threads, which must all accept their place to make the total image work. One does not carry more importance than another. It is all the threads working together to make God’s tapestry. He is the weaver, choosing the threads one by one.

Your Purpose

Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Do not look at your life as man looks at life, if you do it will only bring you pain. Look at life as God looks at life; each one is precious and important; each has purpose and meaning. God chooses each of us with love and compassion as He weaves the image of Himself. Take hope from the understanding that you are exactly who God made you be to achieve the unique purpose He planned for your life before creation. Embrace it and live it. Eternity is a very long time, and the final image is enormous; don’t get lost in the everyday.

Genesis 1:31, “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”

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Contentment, Happiness, and Joy

Joy and HappinessContentment, Happiness, and Joy: I discussed these three issues with a good friend. It is easy to get confused. Which one is the most important?

Contentment

I have held many things in my hands and have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, I still possess. – Martin Luther

1 Timothy 6:6-7, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

Contentment is a state of being satisfied with what one has. It’s a feeling of peace and acceptance regarding one’s situation. It comes from a place of acceptance and is often associated with having a sense of sufficiency and being at ease with one’s life.

Contentment offers a steady and enduring sense of satisfaction and peace. It’s less dependent on external circumstances, which means it can provide a reliable foundation for well-being. Contentment makes you more likely to navigate life’s ups and downs with a balanced perspective. Contentment is about accepting and finding peace with what you have.

Hebrews 13:5, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”

Happiness

Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose… only (upon) the Beloved who will never pass away. – C.S. Lewis

Luke 12:15, “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”

Happiness is a broad term that generally refers to well-being and euphoria. It encompasses various emotions and experiences that make one feel good. It comes from external factors like achievements, relationships, or material possessions, as well as internal factors like personal attitudes and outlook on life.

External factors heavily influence happiness and might fluctuate based on circumstances, achievements, or experiences. While happiness can be exhilarating, it often relies on positive external factors or events that are not always within our control.

Joy

Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering; it is the presence of God. – Sam Storms

Ecclesiastes 3:12, “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live.”

Joy is a deep-rooted, inspired happiness that transcends circumstances. Unlike fleeting emotions tied to external events, biblical joy is a state of contentment, confidence, and hope rooted in a relationship with God. It is often associated with spiritual well-being and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Biblical joy is a profound and enduring state of happiness rooted in a relationship with God, characterized by trust, hope, and the assurance of His presence and promises.

Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

What is your Priority?

After a long debate and much consternation, I walked away thinking this: Joy is the essence of my existence, Contentment is a goal I have control over, and Happiness, well, I hope it visits me often. I can be joyful in any situation, even when I am discontent. The strength of that choice is God’s promise for my life. Contentment can be challenging because it typically requires physical, emotional, worldly, and spiritual living within my means. Sometimes, in a broken world, being content is problematic; it takes tenacity.

Happiness is a bluebird; in sales, we used to refer to a bluebird as a sale that dropped into your lap. That is a good metaphor. Happiness happens; it is spontaneous and serendipitous. We can build an environment that improves the likelihood of it visiting, but it takes external conditions for it to appear. Just as quickly as it comes, an event can chase it away.

Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

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Cascading Decisions

Helping othersCascading decisions rule our lives. Millions of people make millions of everyday decisions in millions of places, causing a cascade that eventually affects us. The overseas workers can make the products we bring into our homes. Their decision every morning to work hard or blow it off can eventually affect us. People’s interactions with significant others, friends, family, or co-workers affect how they go about their lives and may encroach on our lives. Product developers in companies worldwide make decisions every day that eventually seep into our existence. People we never see, talk with, or know, make decisions that eventually cause difficulties.

Why is it important to understand this human dynamic? Every day, we face challenges created outside our sphere of influence. These challenges are ours; we own them. We are the ones that react in the wake of their existence. How we react is part of the millions making decisions that affect others. We see the immediate impact on those close to us, but we may not see the ripple effect across time.

The person we cut in front of in line at the grocery store who then speaks harshly to their mate, who then takes that out on an employee. The cycle goes on. A viral tsunami of vitriol emotions that spawns outward. Just as we are the recipients of cascading decisions made by others, so are others the recipients of ours.

Prayer

“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that – it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” – Charles Spurgeon

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Why did this come to mind? It came to mind because of its impact on answered prayer. Yes, God can and does create miracles. But I don’t think He is in the miracle business. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus constantly comments on an unbelieving world that requires signs and miracles to believe. He does not want us to rely on miracles as evidence of our faith. He wants our faith to reveal the evidence of His miracles.

1 John 5:15, “And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

The example that comes to mind is the fig tree Jesus cursed as He arrived in Jerusalem. It did not wither and die immediately. The fig tree revealed the evidence of the curse the next day. Prayer works that way many times. Yes, I have had the experience of prayer being answered almost immediately, which is what I would describe as a miracle. But often, my prayers are answered in a very subtle way over time. Sometimes, if I am not looking, I miss them all together. It is later that I realize the impact of that single prayer.

1 John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

Cascading Decisions

Keep this in mind as you pray. We are not an island but part of an eight-billion-person ecosystem. Most problems we face are not simple transactions between two people but the cascading culmination of many decisions. The way God answers our prayers may affect more people than ourselves. This cascade of actions starts the moment we pray. We may not see the results of these actions for some time. It does not mean God does not go to work the moment you pray, but, like the fig tree, the results take time.

Psalm 145:18, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

Do not get discouraged when you feel that God did not hear you. Do not feel your faith is weak because the answer was not immediate. Be patient; let God work in the lives of all the people affected by His response. Many times, I miscalculated the complexity of my prayer only to see the impact on myself and maybe a few others. I don’t see the pattern of ripples as this one decision goes across time.

God Loves You

1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.”

God loves you unconditionally, even when we do not reciprocate that love. God never changes. He is not affected by mere human frailties; He knows us better than we know ourselves. God knows what you are going through. What He wants from you is for you to glorify Him by coming to Him with whatever is on your mind. He wants you to invite Him into your world.

Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

The world is not too complex for Him. He created it along with the universe. God looks over every person, animal, plant, insect, molecule, and quark He created. To us, it is a giant and hostile planet constantly buffeted by the afterglow of Adam’s betrayal. To God, it is His loving creation that He carefully cares for even when we do not see it.

Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

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We Only Get One Life

We only get one life, and time flows in only one direction. Every moment is unique and irreplaceable, never to be repeated. Yet, we often fail to grasp the true value of our time. Time is one of the most precious resources in life—finite and irreplaceable. It’s easy to overlook its importance, to pretend that tomorrow will always be there. But tomorrow never truly arrives; all we have is today, this present moment. Do we honor it as we should?

James 4:13-14, “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.”

Most of us spend our entire lives reliving moments that will never come. We fill our heads with thoughts of tomorrow, conversations that will never happen, and events that will never come to fruition. We are so busy playing what-ifs with our future that we do not cherish the present. The very thing we have the most control over is the last thing we think of.

Proverbs 27:1, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

We spend a tremendous amount of time worrying about what we can accomplish in the future, creating regrets about the past. We fret over lost opportunities and missing relationships. We forget all the time we spend building scenarios that never came to fruition.

Why do We Live in the Past

Isaiah 43:18, “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past.”

Humans are naturally inclined to focus more on negative experiences than positive ones. Regret often arises from situations that feel incomplete or unresolved. Without a sense of closure, the mind repeatedly revisits these moments, searching for a satisfying conclusion or attempting to rewrite the past. When our actions or decisions conflict with our values or self-image, it creates cognitive dissonance—a psychological discomfort. To alleviate this discomfort, the mind frequently replays the regretful event to find a resolution or make sense of it. Regret is often tied to unresolved emotions like guilt, shame, or sadness. These powerful and persistent feelings can lead to dwelling on what went wrong and what could have been done differently

Ecclesiastes 3:14-15, “I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; God will call the past to account.”

The past is not malleable; it is unchangeable. Our best approach to overcoming regret is to spend more time in the present moment, where our regretful actions have their genesis. God has given us this moment, right now, to do that which will resolve many of the regrets we may have in the future.

Living in the Present

Time is the brush of God as he paints his masterpiece on the heart of humanity. – Ravi Zacharias

That is not the life God has intended. God created us to glorify Him, but we cannot do that if we live in the future or regret the past. The greatest glory we can bring before God is to live the life He has planned for us. That life is not a life of worry and anxiety but a life of achieving, excelling, and joy. But if we do not take the time to experience it in the moment, then why experience it?

Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

You have one life to live. It is the only life God has given you.

Being a Good Steward of Time

Proverbs 3:6,” In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

The future is yet to come. Millions of decisions, made by millions of people from millions of places, have yet to determine it. We must be mindful of the future but not live in it. Be a good steward of what God has given you. Protect it, nourish it, and help it grow. Be mindful of the sustainability of your mission, but not at the expense of today. Otherwise, you will create a vast catalog of lifelong regrets. That future you worked so hard to create will remain elusive.

Job 8:7, “Though your beginning was insignificant, yet your end will increase greatly.”

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What is Your Art?

Spiritual Gifts

What is your art? That was the question Charlie Paparelli posed this morning. Charlie is what I would call a distant friend. He is one of the great minds in the Atlanta entrepreneurial ecosystem. We often met through High Tech Ministries, but I always considered him a rung above me; Charlie drew me in through his directness. He would ask the crucial, tricky question without sugarcoating it.

This question is one of those critical, challenging questions. What do you care so much about that you don’t care if other people find it acceptable? Charlie gave the example of his sister, who became a well-known artist in South Florida. Early on, when her art was still unpopular, Charlie asked why she didn’t paint more pictures that people liked as opposed to what she liked. Her answer was that she was an artist, not a commercial painter. What she did was deeply personal and important to her.

Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.”

This concept got me thinking about my art. Now, pragmatic solutions and logic are my entire world. That is how God wired my brain. That type of personality doesn’t lend itself to natural creativity as one would traditionally think of creativity. Things like music, art, or poetry are not in my wheelhouse. So, what is my art?

Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

MY ART

For me, I would guess it is human potential. In my lifetime, I have met some extraordinary people. People who soar above me on eddies that I find unreachable. When I listen to great music, it brings me to tears at the beauty that one person can create. The emotion is so unfiltered I don’t know how they channel it. Sometimes, I find an artisan who created such an extraordinary piece that I want to gently slide my hand across the surface to feel the texture; the love that went into it is tactual. The greatness that humans are capable of is beyond my understanding. It reminds me that God put people on this earth to use their gifts to glorify Him, and that glorification takes us all to deeper meaning.

All the passion, talent, skills, and drive to create great things are gifts from God that we can use to honor Him or ourselves. The flaw I find in people who are never satisfied is that they are living for themselves, not their maker. They will never achieve their true potential until they use their God-given gifts to honor Him.

Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

I can’t say I care if self-absorbed people believe this or not. My reaction is the same as not believing in gravity; it doesn’t mean you can fly. You can go through life denying this and wander in an emotional desert, or readjust your thinking and have joy and contentment. It’s your choice.

True purpose and meaning do not come from the gifts God gave you but from the application of those gifts.

Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” 

YOUR ART

So, what is your art? What are you so passionate about that you will not allow it to be diluted by those who disagree? Now, I realize that internal needs drive many of our passions. The need to be accepted or liked is a prime example. When we feel isolated, we become vulnerable to fake passions. These are passions driven by emotional needs, not God-given gifts.

Ephesians 4:12 “Christ gave these gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.”

I want you to think about what you would continue to do even if all your friends thought you were crazy. It is quite the opposite of emotional codependence; you do it for yourself, not for anyone else. It is the thing that makes you quirky or illogical at times. Your art is also the one that brings you the most joy.

“Starve your distractions, feed your focus.” –Daniel Goleman

1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.”

THE WRAP UP

We can wrap this back around to your calling. What is God driving you toward? I would suggest that your art is part of your calling.

Even small actions driven by passion can have a significant impact. Teaching, sharing, or simply being enthusiastic about what you love can create ripples that influence and benefit others in ways you might not immediately see.

“On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of decision, sat down to wait, and waiting died”- George W. Cecil.

Do not allow the world to dampen your art, your passion. Do and be; don’t wait for others to come beside you.

Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

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Calling

Finding your calling

Having a calling: do we have a calling, and if so, how would we know? I often think about this and talk with others about it because I spent most of my life chasing the wrong dream. I felt that God’s natural and spiritual gifts were the same or at least variations of the same. My passion for my vocation was the same as my passion for Christ. I believed He made me chase what I chased for a God-given reason. Regi Cambell, in his Book “Radical Wisdom” made this statement:

“A secular endeavor approached from a spiritual perspective is spiritual.

A spiritual endeavor, approached from a secular perspective, is secular.”

Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

Over half a century of getting knocked down to my knees, then getting back up only to be knocked down again, have taught me that I am not good at creating my calling. God created it in me; I needed to stop fighting it and grow with it.

John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

Calling is that umbrella that sits over all things in your universe. It not only includes the tools that God has given you: skills, passion, relationships, vocation, experience, and knowledge, but also spiritual gifts. This transformation of worldly traits into spiritual realms is what powers you to a higher purpose and meaning.

THE LIST

Here is a simple list of “thoughts” that might help inspire you to think more deeply about your calling.

    • Give Freely: The accurate measure of your life lies in what you give away—not just money, but your time, attention, and compassion.
    • Beyond Accumulation: What you accumulate in life loses its value once you’re gone. Yet, it often defines the worth of our lives.
    • Selfless Living: Those who dedicate the latter part of their lives to selfless service rarely wish to trade it for hobbies like fishing, traveling, or golfing.
    • Act Now: It’s wise to engage in meaningful actions while you have the time, health, energy, and resources. We never know how long these will last.
    • Time Awareness: Many of us realize that time is running out, and it’s the one thing we cannot save for a rainy day.
    • Meaning Over Measure: A calling is more about its intrinsic meaning than measurable outcomes. Focus on your intent, not just the impact.
    • Fear of Significance: Our fear of making a significant impact can prevent us from making the most meaningful contributions.
    • Emotional Burden: A calling is driven by your emotional burdens, soft skills, and feelings rather than your background or hard skills.
    • Embrace Your Burdens: Reflect on what keeps you up at night. Don’t suppress these feelings—let them guide you and allow God to work through them.
    • Learn by Helping: A calling often starts by assisting others. Learn from them, and let their passion ignite yours.
    • Focus on People: Your calling is about the people God places in your path, not necessarily the specific tasks or destinations.
    • Disobedience Indicator: You can recognize your calling if not pursuing it feels like disobedience.
    • Success Redefined: Measure success by your actions, not by what you achieve. Ask yourself, “Did I do what was asked of me?”
    • Outcome Independence: Your responsibility is to fulfill what God asked you to do, regardless of the outcome.

2 Thessalonians 2:14, “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

THE CHALLENGE

The challenge for most overachievers is that they want to be the next great tsunami. They want to be that transformable wave that changes destinies and lifts lives. They want what they do to ripple through eternity like rolling thunder. Me too. But that is not the path before most of us. The path is a path of obedience to small things that will someday lead to great things, mostly after we have left his spinning globe.

Do not fail to do what you can while waiting to do something significant. What is significant to God is a life lived as a reflection of His love and care for all humankind. Calling isn’t a mountain to climb but a step out the front door. It is a decision to focus on people, not tasks or destinations. It uses the personality and traits God created in you at inception to serve the people God puts before you.

2 Peter 1:10-11, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

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The Essential Steps to Achieve Purpose and Meaning

There are three essential steps to achievement. No one can achieve anything without these three steps. We must achieve them in this order. Either most of us don’t believe in this list, or they don’t believe they can achieve it. You must embrace these three elements to become the person God made you.

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it.” Muhammad Ali’s “The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life’s Journey.”

It is incredible how many people I meet at every stage of life still don’t feel fulfilled. They struggle to find meaning and purpose. Some are very successful; some are not. They started down a path and couldn’t or wouldn’t change directions. They somehow believe they are on the right path; the actual destination is around the next bend.

Romans 9:21, "Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?"

I Conceive

“Without God, life has no purpose; without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope.” Rick Warren

The first step is accepting that you are unique and perfectly made for what God has planned for you. This step allows you to perceive yourself as invincible to failure. Things will not always go as you have in mind and prefer, but they will always lead you to where God has planned for you to go. The challenge is to find the right path. Trying to be like someone else because they have something you want is not the same as living as you are designed.

Proverbs 19:21, "Many plans are in a man's heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand."

Most of us are under the influence of social media, well-meaning parents and friends, or cultural norms that push us toward artificial purpose and meaning. We get there to discover it wasn’t a destination but a milepost. God will use every experience, relationship, opportunity, and roadblock to hone your ultimate path. Many of the setbacks and disappointments are nudges from God to get you moving in the right direction.

2 Timothy 1:9, "Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity."

The first step to lifelong achievement is to recognize who God made you to be. Your vocation, skills, and aptitudes are tools to achieve that purpose.

I Believe

Probably the most challenging part of becoming a Godly person, living within God’s plan, is commitment. We all want that safety net. Our society has created alternatives to failure, so we don’t have to commit fully. One of the most important decisions you can make in life, who you will marry, allows for no-fault divorce. There is a back door to almost any decision.

Job 42:2, "I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."

Our brain has the reticular activating system designed to move us from discomfort to comfort by recognizing patterns around us that mimic our expectations. We do not like uncertainty; we gravitate to what we know. There is risk in committing to being a Godly person. The world will not support your decision. It wants you to conform to expectations. You must believe God created you for a specific purpose, which will not fail regardless of public opinion.

You can not achieve your full potential without an iron-clad commitment to that path.

I Achieve

“God has a purpose behind every problem. He uses circumstances to develop our character. In fact, he depends more on circumstances to make us like Jesus than he depends on our reading the Bible.” Rick Warren

Finally, you must do it. God can not steer a stationary ship. Movement is required. My experience dictates that God is not a straight-line kind of guy. He doesn’t find the quickest path from A to B. Just as Paul went to Rome via Asia Minor, Greece, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, and then Jerusalem didn’t have a well laid out straight path, neither will we. But each stop along the way has meaning.

God does not waste effort. It is up to us to search out the meaning and use it as we move forward.

Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Living with Christ is a person’s highest and most satisfying achievement. It is not the trophies accumulated along the way; it is the destination. It is not measured as people would measure it. We can not see the eternal impact of our efforts, but God can. First, you must understand that God loves you and has an incredible plan for your life, then you must believe it to the point of commitment, and finally, you must do. No other process will bring the joy that only God can bring.

 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

 

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