The first of the year is always a time of looking inward--self-evaluation. The fact is, we all have things that we do not like about ourselves. Most commonly, we describe them as "character flaws". Perhaps, we should ask ourselves if these attributes are really flawed or is it more accurate that our use of them is where we err. Sometimes, I think it is the way we exert these quirks that determine what we do and do not like about ourselves as well as how others view us and how we view them. Also, keep in mind that an imbalance of these qualities can be taken to the extreme and most certainly become flawed. Some examples:
David blessed the Lord in saying, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Joyce Meyer often tells of a time in her life when she truly started believing this about herself. She states she had to "get it down in her gut." To know that she knows that she knows. Meyer explains how she did it. She would stand in front of a mirror and encourage herself by saying things like, "God loves me. He has a purpose for me. I like myself. I like those quirky things about me." Do you remember Al Franken as Stuart Smalley on Saturday Night Live? His catch-phrase was, "I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like me."
Not only should we apply this thought process to ourselves, but also to those around us. Maybe someone in your family seems to always want to do just the opposite of everyone in the group. Are they just trying to be difficult or are they just different in the way they see the world? Different tastes, different comfort zones, different attitudes all make us unique. Everyone likes different. While we like to have common interests, we are attracted to those who are not exactly as we are, those who react differently, even those who behave differently. It's what makes our world so very colorful.
He made us each unique, special. Embrace your character. Hone it for positive outcomes. Find the balance that makes you an asset. Love who God made YOU to be. So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be YOU. Afterall, you're the only one who can be, and in being yourself you can help someone so much more than if you try to be them. They made need that special thing about you. You can be strong in areas where they are weak.
Besides, who are we to criticize the Creator? Isaiah 29:16, "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'You did not make me?' Can the pot say to the potter, 'You know nothing?' "
Let's determine to see ourselves as God sees us. We are a work in progress, but I am so thankful He is the Potter and I am the clay.
Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool."
- Determination ® Strong-willed, stubbornness
- Humility ® low self-esteem
- Meekness ® weakness
- Organized ® obsessive
- Leadership skills ® controlling, bossy
David blessed the Lord in saying, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Joyce Meyer often tells of a time in her life when she truly started believing this about herself. She states she had to "get it down in her gut." To know that she knows that she knows. Meyer explains how she did it. She would stand in front of a mirror and encourage herself by saying things like, "God loves me. He has a purpose for me. I like myself. I like those quirky things about me." Do you remember Al Franken as Stuart Smalley on Saturday Night Live? His catch-phrase was, "I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and dog-gone it, people like me."
Not only should we apply this thought process to ourselves, but also to those around us. Maybe someone in your family seems to always want to do just the opposite of everyone in the group. Are they just trying to be difficult or are they just different in the way they see the world? Different tastes, different comfort zones, different attitudes all make us unique. Everyone likes different. While we like to have common interests, we are attracted to those who are not exactly as we are, those who react differently, even those who behave differently. It's what makes our world so very colorful.
He made us each unique, special. Embrace your character. Hone it for positive outcomes. Find the balance that makes you an asset. Love who God made YOU to be. So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to be YOU. Afterall, you're the only one who can be, and in being yourself you can help someone so much more than if you try to be them. They made need that special thing about you. You can be strong in areas where they are weak.
Besides, who are we to criticize the Creator? Isaiah 29:16, "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'You did not make me?' Can the pot say to the potter, 'You know nothing?' "
Let's determine to see ourselves as God sees us. We are a work in progress, but I am so thankful He is the Potter and I am the clay.
Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool."
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