Do you perceive your responsibilities as obligations (got-to's) or opportunities (get-to's)? A simple shift in perspective can make a big difference in attitude and performance!
If a person chooses to think - "It's Monday. I've got to go to work!" they have started the week with a complaint. The person who thinks in that way sets himself up for resentment, lower performance, and a generally negative attitude. The person who says- "It's Monday. Thank God I get to go to work and earn a living." is living from a place of gratitude, which opens the door to all kinds of possibilities. You might say, "Jerry, you have no idea the grind I face. You are so naive." True or not, it does not change the wisdom of Scripture which teaches us to choose to be thankful, to accept each day with faith in God's ability to work deeply in us and through us in the world!
Last week the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about changing my own attitudes; about seeing the opportunities that exist in in my work. Here's how. The church I lead faces some real challenges at this time. We have committed ourselves to expensive ministries that we believe are in the will of God for our congregation. We own several buildings that are very expensive to maintain that house those ministries. By all natural calculations, we cannot afford those buildings! When I look at the balance sheets and the cash flow reports, I am tempted to see only obligations that have got to be met instead of amazing opportunities to do the work of the Kingdom. When that attitude shapes my thinking, faith goes out the window. However, when I thank God for trusting the Assembly with so many opportunities; when I pray that He will provide wisdom and resources, joy returns, along with faith to believe Him to accomplish the 'impossible.'
Here's what the Word says, clearly and simply: "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT) I do not want you to misunderstand. God does not ask us to ignore the reality of our lives, but He does teach us that what is real is not always the same as what we see with our natural eyes!
There was a time when Elisha, the mighty prophet of Israel, was pursued by the king of Syria. The prophet and his servant were in a tiny village called Dothan when the armies of Aramea surrounded the town, preparing for their capture. The servant, seeing the obvious, grew terrified. Here's how the Bible tells the rest of that story. "Don’t be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, "O Lord, please make them blind." So the Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked." (2 Kings 6:16-18, NLT) The fact of the presence of the Aramean troops did not change. It was a real threat. But, there was another unseen army that was even larger, the armies of Heaven. Elisha saw his world with spiritual eyes and it made all the difference!
Believer, I want to encourage you to pray, "Lord, open my eyes and let me see!" Trust God with that situation that you see as a problem. Ask Him to show you the opportunities that exist for you and for the display of His Glory right where you are, at this present time. Here's a word from the Word.
Take it to heart and live it today. "You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful." (Colossians 2:6-7, CEV)
_________________
When we walk the Lord,
in the light of His Word,
what a Glory He shines on our way.
When we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
But we never can prove
the delights of His love,
until all on the altar we lay,
For the favor He shows,
and the joy He bestows,
are for those who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
for there's no other way,
to be happy in Jesus,
but to trust and obey.
John Sammis
Public Domain
No comments:
Post a Comment