Choose God's Narrow Pathway

Where feelings of inadequacy exist, it's quite natural to believe someone else is better suited for a given task. Moses was convinced of this when God set out to recruit him to tell the Hebrew slaves in Egypt that the Lord God had heard their cries and planned to free them. Moses used every imaginable argument to resist taking the job.

Moses stood at a crossroads, and his choice would determine if he continued to live in obscurity or take a job that would be discussed for the duration of history. Robert Frost's poem relates a similar choice: "Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."

Jesus also spoke of two roads. One was broad and easy but led to destruction. The other was narrow and few would choose it, but it would lead to life. The road Moses finally chose was filled with hardships and demanded sacrifice, but God's reward would overshadow the price paid to follow the path the Lord laid out for him.

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We should make plans – counting on God to direct us.

~Proverbs 16:9 The Living Bible

 

For God himself has said, “I will never fail you, I will never forsake you.” So we can confidently say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can men do to me?”

~Hebrews 13:5-6 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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Learning Productivity - Part 2

What holds a person back from becoming successful, loving, and giving? I'm sure there are many reasons this affliction grips the lives of some of God's people. Laziness and lack of motivation could be argued as probable causes. Feelings of inferiority and inadequacy keep gifts and talents hidden behind a curtain of fear.

As unbelievable as it may seem, change is possible by confronting the feelings that stifle achieving the productive life God intended. While it's true that we can't go back and do any part of our lives over, we can make choices to alter what gives power to negative perceptions and beliefs.

Begin by rejecting a belief that you're stuck and incapable of change. Believe that you were created by God for a special purpose that will honor him and bless others. See yourself as a child of God, redeemed by Christ Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Believe you're capable of being productive with what God has given you. Keep these truths in your heart and mind until they become real to you.  

Learning Productivity - Part 1

God's desire for his people is that they be industrious and productive. Industry is a developmental task the elementary age child learns to master. The goal for a child at this age is to become skilled in reading, math, social studies, and science. Success most often depends on acquiring social skills. This learned productivity creates patterns for living that last a lifetime.

Children who are shy or feel inadequate conceal their treasures. These children need encouragement and tutoring until their self-image changes. Be alert to identifying a child's strengths and positive attributes. Feelings of inadequacy and inferiority are difficult to overcome, but with determination and God-given courage, change is possible.

The temptation is to linger in the shadows of your capabilities. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness." With every temptation, God provides a way to escape. So please be encouraged, and strive to be the person God created you to be.