We’ve all been giving gifts and abilities, thoughts and ideas. We’ve all been put here with a purpose.
But too many people just kind of go through life coasting along. Not believing they really have anything of significance to offer.
They think that they’re somehow second class. That those who are more successful have been given a greater purpose. There was a time I thought this way too.
But then I realized something interesting.
The more successful people who seemed more confident and happy – thought differently than me. They thought and, more importantly, believed they had something to offer.
When I first started thinking this way too, I soon found out that it wasn’t easy. It was actually down right scary! It’s so much easier to coast and not step up and put ourselves out there.
But if we coast and don’t put ourselves out there, we’re actually being selfish and irresponsible. We’re giving into fear and not offering our best to the world.
It’s time we step up to the plate and risk believing that we too (yep, that means you too!) have something of significance to offer. (tweet that) It’s time we live out the purpose for which we have been created. It’s time we own it.
Good words, Michael! I was reminded by a friend in past months to view life in an “expectant” way. Expect God to come through (as I do my part). Expect to be a person of value, etc. Shifting our minds and seeing and truly believing something usually makes things happen.
I really love the quote that says what you’re saying here:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Hey Michael, love that quote. I think it’s so true for many people (myself included). And love your thoughts on positive expectation!
I really appreciate you posting this, Michael! You pretty much hit the nail on the head, and it’s sparked some really good conversation on Facebook after I posted this article in relation to how Christians use their talents.
I hope that you all are doing great, and keep the great thoughts coming!
I appreciate your note, Ryan. And I read the thread on FB. Great discussion!