Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Satisfied (10/11/04)
TITLE: Admitting our Limitations By Karen Treharne 10/18/04 |
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT SEND ARTICLE TO A FRIEND |
We want to be taller or shorter, smarter, stronger, more talented, more beautiful and wealthier. We want to have it all and do it all - and we become upset when we can’t make it happen. We are often dissatisfied with the gifts God has given us. The characteristics that God has given to others somehow seem better than the ones he has given to us, and we respond with envy, jealousy and self-pity because we have been deprived and denied.
We each have received unique gifts and talents; we encounter spiritual opportunities every day; and God gives us energy, relationships and resources. So why are we discontented? Does our disgruntled attitude bring satisfaction to God? No. Maybe instead of changing the things we desire, we need to change our way of thinking about the things we want.
What would happen if we ignored our own ideas of appreciation or approval and focused on God’s will? On satisfying God’s wish for our life? I believe we would reflect love. Love to God, to others - and to ourselves. Mother Teresa said “It’s not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters.”
But it’s not enough to understand the problem. How do we learn a new value system? How do we achieve a different mind-set? God doesn’t want us to become gods; he want us to become godly - by taking on his values, attitudes and character. He wants us to grow up spiritually and become like Christ.
To achieve spiritual growth requires an intentional commitment. We must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow and persist in growing. Ephesians 4:14a says, “We are not meant to remain as children.” With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can become more Christ-like in our behavior. We can put selfish thinking behind us which determines the way we feel and act, and thereby change our conduct and our character.
Pride in ourselves is a stumbling block to leading a satisfying life in God’s will. Instead of seeking the endorsement of others and striving to be better than those around us, we need to focus on what we have in common, and on being realistic and patient with our limitations. We need to let go, and let God take over so that He is satisfied.