 Last week I shared my word for 2023, RISE. In the blog, I shared that I want to RISE UP/P this year. I want to be Resolved, Intentional, Serving, Expectantly Unleashing God’s Purpose and Passion. Interestingly enough, I had the chance to listen to a Podcast where my thoughts were challenged. The guest on the show took exception to the concept of a Purpose Driven Life that Rick Warren wrote in his best selling book twenty years ago https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56495.The_Purpose_Driven_Life She shared that America has been traumatized by the pressure that everyone feels to have a purpose and leave a lasting legacy so that one will be remembered. There is no doubt that the pressure to succeed, to make something out of yourself, can eat you up and spit you out. The lack of life balance has caused many to wake up one day with the regret and question of. “what have I done with this life?” I would like to offer you a different perspective on having purpose. Instead of it being seen as a negative, Knowing who you are meant to be can help free you up to live an enriched and fulfilled life.  It can be as simple as leading others to a desire to make a positive difference in the world no matter where you are placed. One can rise up to this endeavor no matter if they care for kids, bag groceries, run a company, etc. Whether it is personal or in business, it is about building relationships not being transactional. Not trying to chase the deal or get something out of a friendship but instead asking the question how can I serve? The negative pressure the podcast speaker spoke about can be alleviated if one finds something they love versus feeding their ego or doing something to appease someone else. Here is another way of looking at seeking wisdom on how your life is to be lived. I am reading through Proverbs this month. Chapter 10 challenges us to seek wisdom while also heeding God’s discipline to find the way life was meant to be lived. Yes it is our life to live but verse 17 says by ignoring correction we can lead others astray. https://biblehub.com/proverbs/10-17.htm You may not think you are a leader but others are watching how you do life. The (above mentioned) speaker and I are in agreement on one thing for sure. Our life should be one that is stress free and without the pressure of measuring up in some way. God promises peace and joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances. How can that be you might ask. My answer from both the old and new testament is quite simple. He calls me to love Him with all my heart and love others as He loves me. https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+22:37-39 The life of peace and joy free from the anxieties of the world comes when we live our lives doing these two things and then letting go and trusting Him with the outcome.  Thanks for reading this blog post. It means more than you know. If you haven’t already please subscribe so you can receive email notifications when new content is posted. I can be reached by email at michael@mrg7175,com |
Turning our Gratitude into blessing others