But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load
One of the three inalienable rights endowed on Americans by our Creator, according to the Declaration of Independence, is the pursuit of happiness. It sounds so simple. However, the Declaration did not grant us the “guarantee” of happiness…only the right to pursue happiness. If God has granted us life and liberty, each one of us has the responsibility to pursue happiness.
We are responsible for how we reach our individual happiness. Each one of us chooses a path and pursues it until we possess it. The work and effort required for the end goal is where we sometimes get derailed. It turns out that the pursuit of happiness may be one of the greatest struggles of the human condition. This pursuit of happiness is not a guarantee; it is an opportunity. Each one of us is responsible for what we do with that choice.
In 1 John 4:4, John told the Ephesians that God has placed greatness inside of every believer. By virtue of Jesus living in our hearts, we have His greatness to meet every eventuality. As Winston Churchill once said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.” The battle for greatness is won and lost – not in a voting booth or on a ticket – but within each one of us.
What will we choose to do with the Greatness inside of us? How will we face down our giants? How will we handle lack? How will we reach out to those in need? What will be our attitude when opposition rises? Will we choose words that build up or tear down? How will we stand for the defenseless? Jesus paid the price for this greatness, but we are responsible to grasp its promise.
Lean into that greatness! Let’s apply ourselves – heart, mind, soul, and strength – into loving God and loving our neighbors (Luke 10:27). There, we will find the contentment, the fruitfulness, and the happiness of a life well lived.
Blessing:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the treasure of Your presence living inside of me. Help me to lay hold of that greatness. Help me to be responsible with this opportunity as I seek to do Your will every day. In Jesus’ name…amen.
Today's Bible Reading:
Old Testament
1 Samuel 8:1-9:27
New Testament
John 6:22-46
Psalms & Proverbs
Psalm 106:32-48
Proverbs 14:34-35
Support AbidingTV today.
Post a Comment