"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Changing our clothes, changing our socks, changing a lightbulb and changing the tv channel are so easily compared to making life changes.
There are many books and articles about making changes and adapting to changes. Change has many ripples to our lives and responsibilities and often has ripples into the lives of others.
I read a book a couple of years ago entitled “Who Moved My Cheese” which is about what we are aiming for and how often the “finish line” or “completion” gets changed. Our reactions are often not pleasant when change takes place.
I believe one of the fastest things you and I can change in any situation is you. This is a huge life and leadership principle. In a day where many people assign the blame of failure or inadequacy to others first, consider another source…ourselves.
In no way am I trying to pile on blame to people or make any accusations, it just so happens that a dear friend from college days, emailed me this beautiful topic today and I am applying it to my life. You and I are made in the image of God and have been blessed with talents, gifts and a personality. God has consigned incredible value to every human. Psalm 139:14 says “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” But the Bible is also clear, we’re all broken. We all fall short of God’s standard. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. That’s why each one of us needs Jesus Christ to take our sin and to give us new life. We can enjoy peace with Him, because He came down and identified with us and our brokenness.
When it comes to life challenges, which are bothering and a bit overwhelming, here is the advice from my friend…
“…here’s what I know. Even if you want to change somebody else, or change the circumstances you’re in, the fastest path to change is to change yourself. That may mean how you see things, how you show up, or how you choose to do things.”
Instead of blaming others, consider asking yourself a few questions:
- What motivates me to success?
- Am I an example to others?
- Where can I improve?
- What can I learn about me right now?
