Optimism seems very rare these days. I catch negativity seeping from my own words as well. The media, social and otherwise, bombard us with stories that seem void of hope.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. – Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Why do we focus on our flaws instead of the good ways God has made us? Why do we forget to consider the gifts and talents He has given us?
God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. – 1 Timothy 1:7 (Message)
Humility is of utmost importance. Letting our egos swell is not lovely, but if we are to grow in our gifts and the purpose a God has for us we must see the gifts and abilities He has given us as good things. The enemy would love nothing better than for our minds to be so focused on our flaws and how we’ve messed up that we never realize our purpose.
Using the gifts God has given us with confidence and love is fulfilling His plan for each of us, and we cannot do that if we continually focus on the negative we can find in ourselves or in others.
We will always be able to find something negative about ourselves. Always. We are imperfect humans. Focusing not only on the good He does for us, but also the good gifts and abilities He gives us can encourage others if we do so with humility knowing that only because of His grace do we have the gifts He gives.
Gibb’s Rule #5 – Don’t waste good.
When we weigh our spirits down with the flaws and imperfections, not only of ourselves, but of others, we are wasting the good. We are wasting the good gifts He has blessed us and others with to fulfill the purpose only He can give us.
How can you not waste the good He gives?
