I have two questions for you to consider:
- What energizes you?
- Where do you put your energy?
When I talk about our “energy,” I’m referring to our time, our money, our thoughts, and our efforts. Where do we direct those things? Do we put them toward things of this world, things of this culture, and things that we want personally? Or do we put them toward the things of God, the things God wants us to be obedient in, and the things that bring Him the glory?
We all have a limited amount of energy to invest. Chasing status, whether in our careers, social circles, or possessions, can be an all-consuming process. It can be all too easy to lose sight of what is truly valuable in our lives. Goals are very good, but not when they replace our identity. If we direct out energy towards status or possessions, we often fail to attend to most important parts of our lives.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2 NIV)
This is no easy task. It is a process. It takes time. As we invite and involve God in our lives more frequently, we start to see Him work. When we see Him at work in our lives, it builds our faith and ability to trust in Him again and again. We begin to see the ordinary become extraordinary. This builds our faith and, in turn, motivates us to continue to engage more with God.
Expecting Different Results
It is often said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So, if we are constantly putting our energy towards status or materialistic pursuits, how can we expect to have a fulfilled life in relationships with the Father? We are investing in things that bring us little satisfaction. Fulfillment will not come from these things. Temporary happiness may, but true fulfillment and peace will not, because that is not how were designed. God designed us to be fulfilled in Himself and in fellowship with one another. When we don’t invest in those relationships, we fail to experience the closeness, peace, and belonging that God made us to enjoy.
Getting the Same Results
Above, I said that a common definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. But what about when the results you’re getting at something are successful? In this case, you would repeat the actions to get the same results, instead of desiring different results.
For example, let’s say you are training for a physical endeavor, such as a marathon or an athletic contest. You have discovered a certain training regimen that works and you consistently win championships with it. Wouldn’t you repeat those steps and continue to put your energies towards those steps that have been successful?
Give and Receive Energy
In many ways, the same holds true in our relationship with God. The great news is that we have victory if we are on God’s team! As we put our energies toward God, He will energize us in turn. Spending time in prayer, reading the word, learning about faith, and connecting with other Christians who keep us accountable are all types of “training” regimens for our faith. As we put energy into these things, God will give us victories in life and training programs that are repeatable. Since we will experience more fulfillment and peace that are not dependent on our circumstances, we will continue to go to God. We will learn that going to Him with an open and obedient heart has proven successful before and is worth repeating. God will remain steadfast and faithful to us, and He wants the same from us in response.
Let us be men that know where to put our energies in order to experience truly fulfilling and extraordinary lives!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)
ive noticed that pepo can spend a lot of energy on a lot of things. sometimes these things don’t add up. sometimes they do. like spending my time on social media is not what i most like to do but it does serve its purpose if used for the right reason. other things like the material stuff the bible does say that all things are given to us for our enjoyment no??? somebody put it this way … its not right or wrong its how we use it nuh!!!
Energy is a lot like a fire hose, if directed by someone capable of taming it’s power there aren’t many fires that cannot be extinguished. On the same token if not directed properly it’s very likely to show the same vigor and get little done.
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