There is only one thing you can manage, and that is yourself.
Often, I spend minutes, hours, and even days worrying about circumstances, perceptions, and outcomes. From this, I have learned WORRY DOESN’T WORK.
So, if I can’t manage my circumstances, perceptions, and outcomes, what can I manage?
Yourself.
That’s right; you can always manage who you are becoming. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 talks about how seasons come and go. Circumstances change. Relationships change. Perceptions change. Outcomes change. But here is what won’t change if you dont manage yourself…
You.
Matthew 6:33 says, in all things, seek the Kingdom of God first. The language of seek is similar to a bow hunter waiting to hit the target, his prey. What is the target? Paul makes it pretty clear in two places.
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2, NIV
If you want to discern and understand
God’s will
in everything, start with managing yourself. Offer yourself as a living sacrifice so the Spirit can transform you by renewing your mind. Paul is convinced that in all circumstances, our minds need to be managed. The best way to do that is to surrender to the work of the Spirit through spiritual formation. You are positioning yourself through the spiritual practices of Jesus before the Spirit and allowing the Spirit to transform you by renewing your mind. Click the link spiritual practices to find out more about offering your body as a living sacrifice through spiritual disciplines.
Start with you and God. Watch what happens. You will have a better sense of God’s will, and you will have the fruits of the Spirit grow from you—no better way to be.
See you in groups or on Sunday,
Michael