I think it only fair to warn you in the beginning. If you don't like Bible verses, spiritualistic thoughts, or reference to a Creator, skip this post. But I challenge you to read it, anyway. Have an open mind and remember that your spiritual well-being is just important to your professional life as your mental, physical, or emotional well-begin. That being said, read on and be encouraged that you were, indeed, created for greatness.
God created you to be amazing. Just think about that for a second. He put you on this earth to shine like a light so that people would glorify Him. There are many people who lead mediocre lives because they don't feel like they should have to live up to anyone. Is it possible to spit in the face of God any more than that? I want to spend this post looking at a couple of reminders that will change the way we see ourselves, our lives, and ultimately, our potential.
First, remember that God created you as a unique and wonderful individual. We humans have a knack for being in awe of creation. Think about the most beautiful beach, sunrise, or landscape you have ever seen. Remember how it took your breath away? Me too. The funny thing is that, while our eyes are naturally drawn to other attractive humans, we tend to ignore the beautiful body that God placed us in to begin with. Keep our key verse in mind:
"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." - Psalm 139:14
I do not pretend to be a master linguist, but trust me when I say that the Hebrew word for "I" literally means, "'I', myself, an individual." God told the prophet Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." Jesus said that a sparrow does not fall to the ground without God's notice, and you are infinitely more valuable to Him than the sparrows. He gave you every tool that you need to be successful.
Our second reminder is that you were created with a clear purpose in mind. If you read a little farther into what God told Jeremiah in the first chapter of the book, He said, "Before you were born, I set you apart." Let's travel to the New Testament to see just what that purpose looks like.
"And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Whom He forknew, He also predestined to be conformed into the image of His Son so that He may be called, 'The Firstborn among many brethren." - Romans 8:28-29
Your ultimate purpose is to look more like His Son every day. Even if you're reading this with a skeptical mind and a heart that does not really believe any of the Bible quoted in this post, Jesus is one of the best leadership examples you could ever be given. The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6 that you are here on earth to work for the Lord and not for men. He says that many people just go from task to task without any sincerity. But those who lack sincerity, lack discipline as well. Both of these are essential to becoming a more effective professional and in reaching your full potential.
It is my hope and prayer that you will take these reminders to heart. If you are still a skeptic and got through that post, I salute you. Please do not go throughout life thinking that you can be made for greatness apart from God. Honestly, everyone fails. The most ambitious, the most talented, and the wealthiest will all stumble and fall at some point in their lives. They will abandon you and trample you on their way to the top. But the Bible says that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is the one and only Son of God.
Our next and final post in this series will deal with some practical steps to reaching your full potential. I felt it was really important to get this part out in the open first. Hopefully you will continue to read and learn as we move forward in life and in reaching our potential. Until next time, stay classy.
-Andrew
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