We are supposed to post a new blog weekly, so please forgive my tardiness.
My life has been characterized by negativity. Those of you who know me may disagree because I’m naturally a very friendly, empathetic person who loves people to a fault.
It is not my outward exuberance that I am referring to, but rather my own identity and self-worth. Everything I’ve ever done, whether done well or done poorly, was preceded with a degrading comment about its poor quality or how I could have done better.
At training camp, I was reprimanded multiple times for this. My negative comments about my work and efforts were dampening the mood of the entire team and I was encouraged to self-examine why I felt like I had to speak badly about my gifts.
Philippians 1:6 says “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
In God’s eyes, I am perfect. A perfect God, who gives perfect gifts, has made me perfect. To deny this is not only a lack of faith and disbelief in God’s perfection, but God cannot use someone who refuses to acknowledge the gifts he has been given.
With that realization, I returned home, and my life has been different since. I embraced, rather than rejected, the gifts I know I’ve been given and the results are spectacular.
I don’t speak with pride, but rather affirmation, in that I’ve embraced my gift in music, media and others.
A friend once told me: “God can see the beginning and the end. Every choice possible results in a different end. God sees each and every possible ending, and has chosen the one that brings Him the most glory.”
My embracing of these gifts, and using them to the best of my ability brings God glory. My perfect gifts were given to me by a perfect God who intends me to use them for His perfect worship, and denying or degrading these gifts denies God the glory He deserves.
Wow…talk about a liberating and freeing, yet heavy realization!
Now my view is different and has resulted in me changing what I am going to take with me on the race. God has given me a gift of film and design, but lacking both a camera and computer, I’ve asked God: “What is your will? What will bring you the most glory?”
I figure, if it is Gods intention for me to use my gift of using a lens to inspire and motivate, God will provide a means. If not, what other gifts do I have which God may want me to use for His glory?
Speaking life for His glory!
