J -Lo or Mother Theresa
Whose dream is for me?
I recently heard someone say, "It's easier to work to reach a goal than to work to build Godly character." That was like a punch in my stomach that spoke truth. Think about it; it is easy to get lost in praying about what actions to take that will make our dreams come true. Do we spend as much attention on praying for who God asks us to be?
I am excited to ask the Lord to guide me to fulfill the dreams, purposes and plans He has for me, my family, career and ministry. I wonder if I am so focused on the “to-do” to get me there, that all that busy activity gets in my way. I find myself getting so caught up in the list of steps toward the dream, that I miss opportunities to show gentleness to my family and compassion towards those who are different.
When we think of reaching a dream, it is easy to get caught up looking at strong women who have worked hard and achieved "the dream."
Let's go on a wild goose chase. It's fun and exciting to watch glamorous women like Jennifer Lopez, work hard, set goals and accomplish her dreams while looking like a million dollars. It can be enticing to admire hard work, determination and see someone reach a dream without asking about the character of who they really are. Not that I am knocking J-Lo! I have been known to purchase a few J-Lo Products myself. But on the flip side, do we give as much attention to the woman whose dreams and goals were not glamorized, but had a heart of kindness, patience, humility and gentleness like Mother Theresa? She is not often one we google for inspiration, but if you do, you will quickly see her words were caring, compassionate and respectful of others.
How much could we move toward who God wants us to be, if in addition to praying to accomplish the dream in our heart, we prayed Colossians 3:12? “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).
What if our "to do" list became less about taking action and more about taking steps toward building the character of God? What if we not only prayed for it, but sought out opportunities to demonstrate compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience. It might be extending forgiveness to someone; showing patience to the child we feel can't get it, or offering kindness to the person who is different than our self. Think of the possibilities that could
Reflection
How might your ambition toward achieving a God given dream kept you from being more Christ- like in your character?
What could happen or change if you looked for opportunities to be more Christ- like in place of goal setting?
What might need to change in your prayers in regards to your dreams?
Goals
Name three things you will do to seek more of His righteousness and tackle your fears and worries?
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12 NIV)
