Does life ever discourage you? Challenges, failures, disappointments – they are part of every life. We can do our best and still end up empty. But there is an answer. There is hope.
Knowledge and effort are good things…but they don’t necessarily produce lasting results. As one who loves doing, loves work and loves learning, I can attest to the deficiencies in both. There’s only one way to a life of joy and fullness…it’s doing life with wisdom.
Only wisdom works—because wisdom starts by honoring God.
Only wisdom knows what to do—and when to do it because God directs.
So many things (in us and others) short-circuit our good intentions: pride, broken-ness, and fear to name a few. But the book of Proverbs (the wisdom literature) describes one of the greatest pitfalls of life as being a sluggard. It is Jesus who delivers us from all of these.
As I contemplate the ways of the sluggard, I sadly glimpse them in my life over the years. Check this out.
Sluggards:
- Often don’t get started (Proverbs 26:14). Faith doesn’t just dream – it steps out!
- Fail to finish what they do start (Proverbs 12:27). The Spirit faithfully perseveres.
- Don’t face reality (Proverbs 22:18). Practicalities are factors to bring to God.
- Think they know everything (Proverbs 26:16). Humility realizes human limits.
- Never attain desires (Proverbs 13:14). God-given desires bring contentment.
Can you relate – procrastination, giving up, failed dreams? Every trial can move us closer to the answer if we let it. The answer isn’t trying harder, doing better–although that will happen when we invite wisdom into our lives.
Wisdom realizes everything is in God’s hands and seeks direction from God. Jesus came to give us abundant life, but we must give our all to Him to receive all He offers. This little chart helped me pull all this together, maybe it will help you too:
| Eyes on Jesus – desire to please Father | Eyes on Self – desire to please YOU |
| Courage to face problems | Run and hide |
| Reach out to others | Self-isolate |
| Persevere | Get stuck |
| Generous with time, money, skills | Stingy – afraid of losing something |
| Give self to others | Protect yourself from hurt |
That list clarifies things for me – I know how I want to live in this brief life. And I can’t do it on my own. I need Jesus – and you do too. He’s our way back to the source of life and love. And when we receive the life He offers, we live our best life here. He is present and reaching out to you. Don’t settle for a theoretical belief in Him—that’s knowledge that won’t produce lasting good. Give your all to know Him intimately.
For a simple goal sheet to set you on your way, email me at billiejoyoumans@gmail.com. And if you need a walking partner, reach out. That’s what Cross-life Coaching is all about.
