Look into the mirror and examine yourself. Have you made a positive change in your life? Have you impacted someone else’s life?
Oprah said something the other day that helped to close a chapter in my life. She said that when people look into the mirror they want to see the same image that they portray and when your image exceeds theirs then many times that becomes a problem.
Does this sound familiar? I used to wonder why sometimes I would get a "funny" vibe around certain people.
Now, I see. It’s undoubtedly because my image is different than theirs. My growth process has begun.
When someone you know grows out of things that they used to do, then support them, don’t criticize that person. It all a part of our growth process. What is growth?
According to Merrian-Webster’s Dictionary growth is a stage in the process of growing; progressive development. Ephesians 4: 15 says, "But speaking the truth in love may grow him into all things, which is the head, even Christ."
Often, it is difficult to understand why your direction is different from others. It is time to break out of our comfort zones and do what God has planned for us. All the Lord wants us to do is follow him.
What’s your vision? Is your vision different from most of your friends? Your vision is not the same as everyone else, but it’s okay. You don’t have to view life like everyone else does. God created us for a reason and he has a specific blueprint for our lives.
I remember watching a Christian television program and the minister told the audience to STOP sharing your vision with everyone. Sometimes, we get so "caught up" in conversations that we begin revealing our dreams and aspiration. This is when the enemy tries to attack us by using that person whom we consider a friend to try to discourage us; however, like the older folk say, "The devil is a lie."
According to Proverbs 3:25-26 (King James Version), "Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence and shall keep thy foot from being taken."
Spiritual growth is important in our lives. I recommend reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. If you are struggling to commit to God and his principles, just pray. Talk to God like He is your best friend.
Thoroughly examine your self and remember to look into that "mirror" and analyze who you are and what you want to become.
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. He has lost connection with the Head from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Shamekila Quarles is a senior mass communication major from Gibsland.