I Want More!!!
I want more and I’m not the only one. All of us want more of SOMETHING. Some want more money, others more peace, some a larger house, others, more children. You have those who want more success, and others who want to come home to more than the sound of their own voice. There are those who want a better car, want to lose more weight, and spouses that want more attention. It’s quite a natural tendency to want more. Some of the things we want more of aren’t ungodly at all in and of themselves. But too often we miss what matters MOST. The greatest tragedy is when there is the desire for more of ONE thing over which not a single one of us has any control; the desire for more TIME. Time to be content.
The hype of the New Year has begun to die down. People are settling back in to their routines. Yes, routines….after resolutions and all. But while we look forward to the possibilities and expectations of this year, the reality is that many are wishing for just one more hug, one more conversation, one more chance to apologize- regretting that they didn’t have in yesteryear, the clarity that they have now. While we know that “all things work together” (Romans 8:28), there are still some mistakes we wish not to repeat. Most of us desire to do and feel better. While we cannot control the loss of the seasons or the opportunities and relationships that we miss and crave, we CAN do something about the ache of discontentment that plagues us. Few things are as disappointing as acquiring EXACTLY what we pursued, and then finding that we’re STILL discontent. This is an indication, that you have scratched the wrong spot; that you missed the itch. This is a prime time for some of us to sit back with a proverbial cup of hot chocolate and think about what is REALLY motivating us to pursue goals that aren’t satisfying our deepest needs.
Many of us fall short of where we desire to be, not because of God’s inability or unwillingness to provide, but because His integrity will not allow us to contaminate and defile promises that are precious and pure, with motives that are rooted in bondage. Insecurity is BONDAGE! Low self-esteem is BONDAGE. The absence of self-love is BONDAGE. Bitterness is BONDAGE. Pride is BONDAGE. Our Father is waiting for us to walk out of the open door to our freedom! It is time for us to see what He is showing us about our hearts- the seat of our motives. We must take the time to re-evaluate WHY we want what we desire. Do you want to be married to prove to your ex or to yourself that you are lovable? Do you want to be thinner, have a nose job, breast implants, or tummy tuck, because it takes validation from someone else to make you feel attractive? Do you want a bigger house for others to see the perks of being a “faithful servant”? Are you tenacious about obtaining success because you have something to prove to the people who told you that you couldn’t do it? Take a deep look at what is motivating you. Is discontentment robbing you of the joy you should be experiencing in a life in Christ?
As Christians, what we achieve is for the glory of God. Even our successes should bring God glory. It is His faithfulness and love that should fuel you to be great [for Him], not anger, rejection, low self-esteem or the “I’ll show you a thing or two!!!” mentality. If you can identify with any of the above, it’s time to redirect your energy towards the healing of your emotional wounds. Nothing or no one can fill the void you feel except God Himself. Nothing on the exterior will soothe the ache on the interior. Being healed, set free and whole will enable you to live the abundant life Christ died for you to live (John 10:10)! Desire to be great and do great things, in honor, appreciation and acknowledgement of the potential He put inside of you. And in the process, bring someone else along! Our adversary and the wounds he has caused should not be our motivators, nor his tactics our energizers. What would have happened had Joseph been bitter and determined to get even with his brothers (Genesis 50:17&20)?
Our walk and our purpose are so much bigger than us! God saw something in you that made your life worth living. He saw something in you that made you worth dying for, and He makes no mistakes. As a child, during recess, when the captain of the kickball team chose you, weren’t you glad that you weren’t left behind on the sideline? I know I was! I would take my stance and yell “baby bouncies” and kick with all of my might!!! Well now we have nothing to prove, but everything to gain. He’s chosen you for eternity. He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). And He isn’t going to change His mind about you.
Acknowledge Him and obey His guidance in order to avoid the wrong paths. After all, being where we are supposed to be, doing what we are supposed to be doing and reaching those we are supposed to be reaching is how we will find ourselves LIVING ON PURPOSE! Now THAT should be a resolution we can’t ignore. NOTHING will be more fulfilling! May we all look over our shoulders at the end of our journey on this side and then wave, smile and KNOW we lived our BEST life and desire no “do-overs”!!! Start NOW!!!!