Happy Friday, Friends!
I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day has dawned in my Sweet Home Alabama! I also sincerely hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones yesterday! May we all live every day with a heart of gratitude!
This morning, I want to share a scripture that convicted me in a powerful way this week and a quote that, to me, is tied to this scripture. I will share a few thoughts on each and then wrap this thing up.
The Scripture:
1 Peter 4:8-11
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I have found what I believe will be my life verse. I want to be a 1 Peter 4: 8-11 man, husband, father, leader, and friend!
Thoughts:
· “Above all, love each other deeply.” No matter the season, situation, or circumstance, love. Whether you are like me, believe what I believe, or if I agree with what you are doing, love. This is also affirmed by Matthew 22:36-39 which says, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Don’t know what to say or do? Love.
· “Offer hospitality to one another.” I truly believe that the things the Lord has blessed me with like a home and food are to be used to love, care for, and serve others. I can, and should, be more intentional about this one. When I was a coach, I used to have players over all the time for dinner. We would sit and visit for hours. There are so many opportunities…give me eyes to see and ears to hear, Lord.
· “Use whatever gifts you have received to serve others.” What am I doing with the gifts and abilities God has given me? Am I simply using them for selfish gain? It is quite clear that they are to be used to serve others.
· “Speak as one who speaks the very words of God.” Whoa, this one is powerful! The only way I can speak the very words of God is if I have a relationship with God, a mind that has been renewed by Him, and a heart that has been transformed by Him. There is no faking this one!
· “Serve with the strength that God provides.” How many times have I tried to do things in my own knowledge, wisdom, strength, and courage? Sadly, far to many! When I serve with the strength God provides, the source is limitless, and the outcomes are transformational!
· “So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.” Amen! Not that the light would shine on me but rather it would shine through me and that it would bring glory, honor, and praise to Jesus! It! Is! Not! About! Me!
Yes, I want to be, and I am fully committed to being, a 1 Peter 4: 8 – 11 man, husband, father, leader, and friend!
The quote I am going to share comes from the book I am currently reading titled, High Road Leadership: Bringing People Together In A World That Divides by John C. Maxwell. It is a phenomenal book, and I offer it my highest possible recommendation.
The Quote:
“This is something that’s super-important for young people to understand, and for parents to preach to young people. It’s really easy for a talented young person to take pride in their gifts. They say, “I’m really athletic,” or “I’m really smart,” or “I’m really good at math.” And that’s fine. You should celebrate your gifts. You should be happy. But you can’t be proud of them because they’re gifts, after all. They were given to you.
What you can be proud of is your choices. How did you decide to use your gifts? Did you study hard? Did you work hard? Did you practice? The people who really excel combine gifts and hard work, and the hard work part is a choice. You get to decide that. And that is something that when you’re looking back on your life, you will be very proud of.” – Jeff Bezos
Thought:
Whatever gifts God has given me I want to develop them to their fullest, to fulfill my potential in every aspect of my life, and then I want to use all that I am – time, talent, and treasure – to love, care for, and serve others.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious family, and please stay well!
Kev
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