FEATURE: DEVELOPING YOUR VOLUNTEERS
Taking the First Step
Out of Yourself
by Matthew Barnett
Life is full of small steps, and we usually view them as the bridge
that gets us somewhere bigger and better. But could it be that the
small steps have the biggest impact of all? We have all heard stories
of people who accomplished something great only to go into a
deep depression afterward. Once I spoke to an athlete who won a
Super Bowl and the very next week wanted to take his own life. A
businessman can close a big deal yet fail to close a void in his heart.
Could it be that we are missing something? Could the small things in
life actually bring us the most joy?
God made us for victory every day, and those daily victories have
nothing to do with profits, fame or acclaim. The path to true joy
lies in deciding to live outside of ourselves and to be intentional
about breaking the biggest barrier to our joy—our own selfishness.
Living outside of ourselves means living in rebellion to the constant
feeding of our flesh, which demands to be recognized, appreciated
and respected. Living outside of ourselves means deciding to serve
and give instead of waiting to be served.
Every one of us can take baby steps and turn to follow Him. Try it
out––try serving out of your pain rather than identifying with it.
Experiment, test the waters, see if you like life much better without
resentment or grudges. Take that first one small step away from
yourself and just see what happens.
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