One Thing in Common

You and I have at least one thing in common. A door is opened to each of us for something beautiful to be worked out in our lives. I saw the door and walked through it. Have you? If not, then look for my hand stretched out for you. Take it and let me show you what’s possible.

On the other side of the door, we have to first discuss authority. That is, under whose authority do you do anything? If we get this answer wrong, then we may as well turn around and walk back out the door. The only way we can stay on this side of the door of opportunity is to submit to God’s authority. It’s okay if you don’t want to. That’s your choice. But if you do, then trust it will be worth it.

What does that actually mean? It simply means that if God wills it, you will do it. Implicit in that statement is obedience, i.e. a hunger to understand His teaching, a willingness to be obedient to it, and a humility to let your will be subordinate to His. It’s an acknowledgment that it is He who enables the good that arises out of the mess of your life because in all things He is working for your good. This is an opportunity that is common to everyone on earth. On this side of the door, obedience comes from faith in His Word. As a result of our faith, our desire is to be obedient to His authority.

The cool thing about being on this side of the door is that God will be working out something beautiful with your life even if the world knows almost nothing about you. The type of beauty I’m talking about is relational and meaningful. It’s not based on popularity. It’s counter-cultural. It’s about serving others with neighborly love so that they want to follow you through that same door we all have in common.

Since childhood, we’ve dreamed about doing what we love, what we’re passionate about. We crave a utopian world where work doesn’t even feel like work, we are good at it, and we enjoy doing it moment to moment, day after day, year after year where we feel successful, valued, and loved.

At this point in your life, what is your response to the following statements, yes or no?

• I can control the busyness of my life.
• I do not feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing.
• I am not stressed about keeping up with my neighbors, friends, and family.
• My self-worth is not derived from status symbols, i.e. car, house, zip code, or job title.
• I can suppress the need to get even when someone hurts me.
• I am not afraid of anything.
• I feel important.
• I don’t care if people like me.
• I am not driven by my career.

If all your answers were no, then follow me through that door. In 2013, all my answers were no. Now, they are yes. What changed? Me. I saw the door and walked through it.

Now, I understand my unique ability and how to use it for good. I love the work I do. I have better relationships with others. I am a happier person. I am a generous and grateful person, no matter my circumstances. I have a calm, assertive posture in life.

I want the same for you. Take my hand.

This post was originally published on April 19, 2020, and is republished today with minor enhancements.