Weekly Thought-October 22, 2013
Fred was blessed with a network of friends who strengthened him and lived out the “iron sharpening iron.” He gathered a cadre of truth-tellers who walked in integrity. He knew who he wanted to be and chose an inner circle of those who, like him, understand their gifts and their missions.
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Who You Are Meant to Be
We are in a time when ne’er-do-wells (particularly young ones) persist in saying, “Love me for myself!” When I hear that I think of the sign in the store, “Sold as is.” That always denotes damage to the product or something that reduces value. I want to see people striving to fulfill their gifts, not sitting idly by accepting “as is.”
The Allen Emerys of Boston took a young girl into their home. She had lost her way in life. After dinner each evening, Allan would go through a series of questions with her since she was learning to live again. The first question was, “Why does God love me?” She would reply, “Not because I am good but because I am precious.” Then he would ask, “Why are you precious?” To this she would reply, “Because He loved me enough to die for me.” Even if you have lost your dignity, you have not lost your preciousness. If you want to be a better somebody, no matter where you are now, you can do it.
A friend wrote this reminder on his wall: “A thing that needs doing can be done honestly.” If it can’t be done honestly, then it doesn’t need doing. Honest goals have honest means and methods available. Finding the right means will at times strain your creativity but not your morals. It’s still the same old story: Good ends never launder dirty means.”
To know who you are meant to be means moving in the right direction. “Loving me just as I am” ignores the process of development. Who you are meant to be involves defining success and knowing where and how you are making progress. One of my associates gave me a great definition: “Something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to.” We are meant to grow. We are meant to recognize our preciousness in Christ.
Think carefully about: 1) What would I say to Allan Emery’s young girl? 2) What does progress mean to me? 3) Who am I meant to be?
Words of Wisdom: “I want to see people striving to fulfill their gifts, not sitting idly by accepting ‘as is.’”
Wisdom from the Word: “How precious is your loyal love, O God! The human race finds shelter under your wings.” (Psalm 36:7 NET Bible)