Life With God. Life with People. My Ambitious and Desperate Vision
hat are you doing with your life
Think about that question for a few minutes. What comes to mind? Is it something exciting? Not so exciting? Is there purpose? Are you just “going with the flow?” How would you honestly answer that question, “What are you doing with your life?”
In Bill Hybels’ book, Courageous Leadership, he speaks of the characteristics of a leader. And, the very first characteristic is vision. A leader must have a vision.
Many people are scared away by the word vision for many reasons; so, if this is you don’t think of the word vision, think of something else… like life-goals, purpose, calling, a few words that describe your life, etc. You get the idea.
But, whatever you may call it you and I are built to embody this characteristic. So when I ask you, “What are you doing with your life,” you may not think that you are doing very much. However, in your mind you have already concocted an entire world in which you would feel completely fulfilled if you were doing this one thing. This is the beginning of your vision.
I ask you that question because I have spent some time over the past few weeks asking myself this question. “Curtis, what are you doing with your life?” I want to share my answer with you.
My vision for my life (The Life Trend) is… Life with God. Life with People.
Sounds simple. And, it is… kind of. Everything I do and everywhere I go, these two values lead my decision making, lead my thoughts, and direct me on the path God has laid for me. “Life with God. Life with people.” Let me break it down for you:
Life With God
Spiritual Health – Prioritizing my life around an intentional discipline of prayer and fasting. Every time I stray, God always points me to prayer and fasting – fellowshipping with Him and denying myself the things that distract me from Him. Do I live a life of intentionally seeking God?
Personal Growth -I love to learn, but it is hard work sometimes. Yet, when I consume myself with other things that do not grow my mind and gifts, I lose sight of God’s purpose in creating me. Surrounding myself with things that grow me and stretch me in new ways fine tunes me to be a tool for the Kingdom of God. Do I live a life filled with books, writing, and experiences?
Bodily Health – The healthier I am, the more availability I have to be with God and be used by God. (Though the hardest value for me, personally) living a life of heath, diet, exercise, rest, and relaxation is essential to living a life with God. From consistent check-ups, to daily exercise, to a full-night sleep, I find great clarity in my relationship with God when I am healthy. Do I live a life of good health and personal disciplines?
