The purpose of influence is to “speak up for those who have no influence.” (Pr.31:8)
It’s not about you.” ― Rick Warren
It’s not about you! Those words seem to come up over and over in my daily life. I think it is God’s gentle reminder of where I’m suppose to keep my eyes fixed. But have you ever noticed that the more diligent you become in pursuing your purpose and striving to fulfill all God has called you to do — it begins to fill like it is about you?
There seems to be this viscous cycle of focusing on becoming better (which is focusing on ourselves) and pursuing what God has called us to do (which is serving others). The cycle goes round and round.
Yes, it spins round and round in my head as I try to grasp the balance between the two. So what do you do, when your purpose becomes all about you?
- You serve someone else through actions and words. Come back tomorrow for Stop for the One Tuesday and visit our Guest Blogger who will share how she gave a voice and lending ear to one in need.
- You search for blessings right before your very eyes, forgetting about what you lack in provision and knowledge.
And so today, I continue counting:
101. leaders who lead
102. leaders who inspire you to lead
103. the freedom to go into jails and preach God’s word
104. hugs from those longing for touch
105. a day of love to remember loved ones
106. a God who loves us whether we get it all right or not
107. the words “you believe in me”
108. a God who wants to erase all our guilt
109. an invitation to my daughter-to-be’s wedding shower
110. friends that step in when you need a hand
111. courage to step up again
112. a God who doesn’t seek perfection
113. the small hands of a newborn baby
114. my camera that captures life
115. a bird singing just because it has a song
116. remembering that my God is stronger
117. my God is healer
118. a smile from a stranger
119. a scented candle
120. 31 Days to a Better Blog (thanks SITS girls)
Remember to keep your eyes off yourself by serving others and counting your blessings.Yes, that’s exactly what you do when your purpose seems all about you.
I’m counting along with others in the community at A Holy Experience and Soli Deo Gloria. Great places to check out!
Reading your list of blessings gave me cause to thank God for many of these same blessings too. Thank you.
Thanks girl. Glad you are mindful of blessings too. It’s a great Monday!
Beautiful reminder to a wonderful list of blessings!
“a God who loves us whether we get it all right or not” yes. that one touched me so.
Thank you, Alene!
All for Him,
Nikki
Sweet, Nikki. Your comment blesses me. Messing up over and over I’m so glad God knows and gives me new mercies every morning! I’m always in need by the next day. Blessings.
I love how God fixes our seemingly gigantic problems with a simple fix such as reaching out to others. We make it hard when its not….faith the size of a mustard seed….
Why do our problems always seem — seemingly gigantic? Love the way you put it girl. I’m hanging on to faith! Thanks.
Beautiful list! I am so glad that our God loves us whether we get it all right or not!
Blessings
In agreement, girl, in agreement!
When Jesus gave the directions to BE disciples in all the land, he did not say DO discipleship. We are called to BE and you are the only one who can do what God calls YOU to be. So just BE you and forget that you feel naked or vulnerable. Just go with God and BE what he says to BE. Forget about those who hear you and let the chips fly and land where they may. God knows what he is doing and you are only the messenger.
So true. Just about BEing, and it gets crazy because we live in a world that screams DOing! I am seeking to just BE and you are so right, that erases nakedness and vulnerabilities. Blessings friend.
Even today… even at this moment I feel I am wearing the filthy cloak of selfish ambition… and I am repulsed… I am compelled to cast it off and offer everything I am and everything I have to my Savior… It is easy for me to do the right things for the wrong reasons… It is the motivation of my heart that He is most observing… and what want to desire most is His desire for me…
So, when I read in your post about how when we pursue our purpose it does sometimes begin to feel the focus is on self… I think YES, I understand it too well … and NO … let it not be so… as I long to decrease to that He may increase in me…
Thank you for writing words that help refine me… and blessings to you as you pursue Him and live out your dream and purpose!
Michele – I so totally get that selfish ambition. I’m continually having to check and recheck and recheck. I hear your heart girl!! Thanks.
Hugs from those longing for touch… wow… what a special gift that is! So grateful HE does not expect perfection. :)
Cyber hugs to you!
Enjoyed your list! Favorites are 106 and 116. Blessings to you!
Amen!
I know this tension well. In the past few days, I’ve noticed I’ve made some small decisions without Him regarding the SDG retreat. I’ve become about the mission of raising the money and have neglected to remember that He is the ultimate Provider. I remember my place to serve and not to control.
Jen – it’s hard to remember to make sure HE is on the throne. Oh my – I totally understand.
I really appreciate what you wrote on “#112. a God who doesn’t seek perfection.”
I have found that I might be expecting what no one can give and what our God doesn’t seek and when I do, I am finding I have a critical spirit.
Thanks for the reminder. Bless you, Nona
God pulled me out of comfort zones to go serve and so glad I followed Him. What a tremendous blessing! And I love Rick Warrens book, A Purpose Driven Life. Did this book with small study group years ago.
(visiting from SDG)
ps~ your list makes me smile :)
So great to read your long list.
Fondly,
Glenda