me to WE

Years ago Rick Warren, in his bestseller, “Purpose Driven Life” told us in the first sentence of the book; “It’s not about me.”

As an American it is a real challenge to not only read Rick’s words but to believe them and live them.  We live in a very “it’s all about me” society these days.

Some areas of my life I often inventory to see where I stand in reference to reflecting on “it’s not about me” includes:

• When I talk about others it is talk about their gifts and talents.
• When I am able to listen and try to understand others’ points of view without taking things personally.
• When I am able to forgive and forget.
• When I am able to treat all people with dignity and respect whether I think they deserve it or not.
• When I view other human beings as God’s children just like I am, no matter their beliefs or faith walk.
• When I know I am not called to judge.
• When I fully believe and understand my gifts (time, talent, treasure) are simply on loan to me.
• When I take responsibility for and strategically share the gifts (time, talent, treasure) on loan to me the way God would want me to share them.
• When I do something for others not for praise and recognition but because it is my responsibility as one of God’s children.
• When I am able to view my occupation as my vocation no matter what the occupation and will therefore always give my best.
• When I am able to talk in a way where my words are primarily utilized to open others’ eyes to see the light which is not me.
• When I am able to deny my flesh and its desire for short term “goods” knowing these denials evolve into blessings in the form of long term “greats.”
• When my “why me’s?” turn into “why not me’s?”
• When I understand my chances of achieving all of the above are slim and none without the help of God one day at a time.

Therefore, last but not least, my chances of achieving these “When I’s” greatly increase when they turn into “When I, with God’s help.”  Then living becomes about WE instead of me and when that happens life becomes a little bit easier to handle and enjoy and my batting average goes from .000 to maybe .300 or so…nobody said following God’s way is easy :).

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13 (NIV)….believe this scripture and try to live it…you will be amazed a day at a time.

P.E.A.C.E.

jay@eaglelaunch.com