By Sandy Lee
Do you remember being a kid and bringing home a good report card only to have a parent notice that the one grade that was less than stellar was the one they were talking to you about? They would say, “What happened in science or math?” In that moment, that critical self judgment is born and over time nurtured. We often bring that burden into the next generation and the cycle continues.
Most of us have spent far too much time focused on our negative personality traits. How did that happen to us? How does our focus change from all of our positive and wonderful personality traits, to regularly being self critical and negative? Let me ask you this: how well has this worked out for you? Is it helping you grow and flourish or is it stealing your happiness and peace?
If our God created us and loves each one of us then why would this be where we put our attention?
Colossians 3:12 says: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
It seems that we would be closer to living in Christ-likeness if we are to focus on building our character by having clarity in the positive attributes of who we are. These are traits that the Lord gave you, so isn’t that where we should begin to build?
If we believe God created each of us to be used for His glory then it would serve us and God best to build on that uniqueness. We need to be ourselves. Take what you have been blessed with, build on it and be that person uniquely designed for the purpose only you were created to have. I believe that is what will please God and enable us to be used for His glory and purposes.
