Give Up The Good, Go For Great.
Over the past few years, I’ve come across many good opportunities. I must confess that I take advantage of these opportunities wherever I can. Perhaps it’s because growing up; I felt our family got very few “good” opportunities. Life always seemed like a struggle.
My parents struggled to move up financially to provide more than they had. Many times they took on two jobs to try and make headway. The conversations at the dinner table always revolved around making the most of every opportunity. They continuously taught us that this country was the “land of opportunity.”
Not surprisingly, this idea instilled in us a drive to seek out and make the most of what was available. Taking this approach to life, I have accomplished many worthwhile endeavors. But unfortunately, this has also come at a price. On many occasions, I’ve been on the brink of burnout and think I may have at one point.
Considering this, I’ve found that saying yes to many “good” opportunities is not great. When I do, I tend to invest too much time in doing “good” things and sacrifice doing a few great things that will make a significant impact. Most importantly, it affects doing the things God has called me to do.
For this reason, I’ve started to take an inventory to compare the “good” things that present themselves against what God has called me to do. If they don’t line up, I graciously decline and move on. I define “great” as using all of one’s talents, skills, and resources to bring glory to God by helping others draw near to Him. John D. Rockefeller once said, “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Colossians 3:16-17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Pray:
Pray for the direction and discernment to find more time on doing things that bring glory to God.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Contemplate and meditate on or memorize the passage. What is God saying to you? Then, determine what you will do with what you’ve learned.
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.