Every day we are given the opportunity to do good for others and for ourselves. A lot of the time we get scared to do these things. It is often easier to just not do it because we are in a hurry to get to this place or to do that thing. Sometimes we don't do those things because we talk ourselves out of it because we don't want to put ourselves in uncomfortable situations. I often spend time avoiding people because I do not want to leave my comfort zone. The truth is... we are all created to do good works.
I lose track of that because I am busy consuming myself with well, myself. It's almost as if I am too good to help others. I talk myself out of doing a good task by telling myself, "It's okay, things will work out for that person." But, what if you were the one who could help this other person get back on there feet, whether it be literally helping someone up or just talking to someone for 5 minutes.
I have to be honest with myself right now, I'm not TOO good to help someone else. Truth is, it is because of my desire to live for myself that I often don't help others. I get so wrapped up in what the point of my life is that I lose track of what the point of my life is. My thoughts of "flourishing" my life for the glory of God are so self-centered that the actual flourishing of my life is choked and slowed up quite a bit.
What step needs to be taken? First step for me would be to stop believing the lies that the world feeds me. That I'm the most important thing in my life. That things will work out for others and I don't have to help them. Lastly, that I'm not strong enough or good enough to help people. These lies are what can choke flourishing in my life.
And, the best way to stop believing lies would be... ?
The best way to stop believing lies is to replace the lies with actual truths. In order to flourish into the best version of yourself that you can be, you must first receive life from outside of yourself. God has in mind for you the full potential of what you can be. Let me tell you a "secret," He is guiding you towards that full potential all of the time, and He is not in any particular hurry. (paraphrased from something John Ortberg wrote) Once you receive this life from outside of yourself, you become VERY capable and not discouraged to help others. It actually becomes natural and you no longer are helping others so that YOU can look good.
This is something I want to work towards. I want to become God's best version of myself. This is the most rewarding way to have your life unfold. God's version of us is the most beautiful thing I could ever believe. Also something else, it is contagious. You have been around the type of people who have extremely flourishing lives, you often leave them challenged to try harder and love more. It's almost as if for a moment you were infected by their life. The coolest part about these people is that their intentions aren't to make you feel jealous of what they have, it's simply that they have chosen to work towards the best version of themselves they can be. So, when you are challenged by that, accept the challenge. What's the worst that could happen? You might make someone's day better. Sucks, right?
nah.
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. which God prepared in advance for us to do."
-Ephesians 2:10
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