031908

March 19, 2008

Throw-Off Your "Extra Self" and Fulfill Your Purpose

by Shana Schutte

I admit it. Sometimes I forget that my life is not all about me. In these moments, I focus on my insecurities and fears, and, as a result, I am unable to move further into God's vision for my life.

Can you relate? If so, don't feel bad; I think everyone has been there. When this happens, not only can we be hindered from fulfilling the work God has called us to, but we'll also become exhausted both emotionally and spiritually. Why? Because God created us to serve.

Focusing too much on your inaqequacies is like trying to carry a clone on your back. And, no matter what you do, your "extra self" is always there. If you want to lead a Bible study, your "extra self" has to come along. If you try to write a book, there she is. If you want to start a new business, she has to be right in the middle of things, yabbering about how you can't fulill your calling. Your "extra self" will constantly tell you that you can't do it; and that if you fail, you'll be an embarrasment to yourself and others. As a result, you end up doing little for God because the weight of self --your ego, insecurities and fears, will get in the way of fulfilling God's purposes and plans.

But, there's an answer.

The first step toward throwing off your "extra self" so you can move into God's purpose, is to realize that your life is not all about you. After all, the Bible says that God has created you for good works that He planned for you to do before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 2:10). He has given you gifts, talents, and skills, on purpose, for a purpose--and that purpose is to glorify Him and serve others.

Second, agree with God about who He says you are. He is able to equip you for the plans He has called you to. To disagree with Him about your true identity in Him is to deny trust and belief. Agree with God that His adequacy can shine through you.

If you can remember these things, you'll be able to lay down that heavy "extra self" that is weighing you down. You'll also gain a passion for your God-given purposes like never before. You'll start thinking about how Christ can use you to change your part of the world. You'll stop thinking about what you'd "like" to do and start focusing about what you "should" do because it's God's calling for your life. In all of this, you'll realize that you are part of a greater whole--and that your life, purposes and passion are not all about you, but they are about serving others and loving God.

If you are considering doing something for God that you believe He has called you to, ask yourself who will be lose if you don't step forward to offer your gifts. Who will miss out on knowing Him? Who won't see His joy in you? Who won't be inspired? Who won't be changed for eternity?

Ah, what joy to realize that our purposes and passions are about being a gift to a hurting world! You can experience this joy when you give Him your fears of rejection, failure and criticism. Then, you can throw off the heavy weight of self and do things for God that you never imagined.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

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"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me because

he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted."

---Jesus

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