As warm air and even humidity make their way into the season, we can welcome the more relaxed pace summer brings. I love the joy that comes with new beginnings.
Over the years, I’ve undergone so many new beginnings in an effort to become a “better me.” I think for a long time, I had it wrong. At times, I have placed focus on improving the more inconsequential aspects of my life. I’ve thought that in order to be successful in the eyes of the world, I had to perform. And, before I fully understood grace, I thought I had to be a “good girl” to be in God’s good graces.
As the years have gone by, I have more fully understood the power of resting, not impressing. I am more comforted in knowing that I am a fully loved daughter of God more than anything I can achieve or earn. And I have to believe He is more concerned about my heart than the numbers on a test, pounds on a scale, or the achievements I can list.
And out of that wellspring of truth flows joy. And out of joy, we can shower ourselves and those around us with love. When we stop conforming to the ways of the world, we can choose a path to a more fulfilling life.
1 Peter 5: 1-4 (NIV) states, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
In this life, we will have responsibilities that we are to steward well. And, please hear me when I say: I do still fully believe in working hard, doing the right thing, and making the most of our potential. By all means, we are to go and do and achieve all the good things with the gifts God has given us! But, at the end of the day, we have to acknowledge that our personal accomplishments and applause from others don’t define who we are.
God does.
So, what can we do? In a culture where success and prosperity are driving factors, we can redirect our priorities and intentionally discern how to shift our focus from worldly trophies to heavenly crowns. We can choose to use our talents and abilities to shepherd the flock. We can serve and love others, and delight in the process.
If we receive Heavenly decorum for the ways we showed kindness, patience, love, and gentleness toward others, we have the opportunity to become an eternally adorned people. And, not because of the ornaments that lined our shelves, but because of Christ’s love that flowed from our hearts.
As we reflect back our lives, it’s likely we will ponder all of greatest achievements. Will it be our wall of awards or resume? Or, will we be able to cite the ways we loved and served others? As we walk as a people rooted in Christ, are we willing to focus a little less on our trophies and a little more on a crown?
Rooted in Grace and Grit 