‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
Consider those that you lead as a neighbor. We must love them and care for them as we love ourselves. We will discuss that more. But notice that this verse assumes that we love ourselves. Doubt can disrupt our ability to be all that we were created to be.
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. Acts 13:36
Listening prayer is needed to hear the voice of God and understand how He sees you. Pause and ask Him, “What is my purpose?” It was the discovery of my purpose that empowered me to overcome addiction. It was this God given purpose that inspires me to wake up each morning and care for myself. Spend the time with Him, listen carefully, then watch. He will always confirm His will. Don’t seek the signs, but watch. Don’t demonstrate the lack of confidence of Gideon. While God empowered Gideon to do great acts, Gideon has a shallow faith that eventually led to idolatry. Watch for Him to confirm His word to you. As you get confirmation seek the counsel of wise elders. Do not just go to your close friends. Remember the lesson of Rehoboam. He sought counsel. That is good but he only listened to his friends. His kingdom was divided because he did not listen to older wise counsel. Watch and pray.
When you are truly living God’s purpose, sin will disgust you. You will wake each day and ask God to purge sinful thoughts and desires. Your heart will become attuned to the daily actions that will be required for you to fulfill the call of God in your life. People will start to gather around you that are a perfect fit for you to learn and grow and accomplish the mission. You will also run into new enemies that God will use to sharpen you. Consider interactions with your enemies as sparing partners. They will push you to be better, strong, wiser and faster. God will give you opportunity to love your enemies. Can you do it? Can you cheer for those that belittle you and call you names or even seek to destroy your impact? This is God shaping you. Allow Him to do so.
When I stay connected to God and His purpose for my life I discover that because He loves me, I am better able to love me. When I choose to love myself I can more easily love others.
