How do you measure yourself to determine how you are doing? Do you measure yourself against the norm, or against others? Being “circumspect” about my life has meant that I have done a lot of measuring against what God’s word is saying in order to evaluate my life. The goal is to make sure that I am living God’s design for my life, to see if I am still living His way. Do my internal convictions, match my external life as observed by myself and others?
When looking at our accomplishments and success, what is most important is not what other people think of your life (i.e. “Wow you do so much!” and “I am so impressed by you.”), but more what the Lord thinks of my accomplishments.
The question is NOT “what have you achieved?” BUT “What of the original vision, goal and direction I gave you, have you completed?”
The measuring stick is NOT what other people think, or have achieved. 2 Cor 10:12 (AMP)
Not that we
[have the audacity to] venture to class or [even to] compare ourselves with some who exalt and furnish testimonials for themselves! However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.
The measuring stick is also NOT ourselves or our past victories. Phil 3:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Focusing on past victories is what stops you from moving forward into future victories. You become so focused on what you have done so that you lose sight of what you still have to do. Paul presses on to attain new territories for the Lord.
The real measuring stick is standing before God and answering this: “What of what I have revealed to you in the word, the work I gave you to do, have you completed?”
- Have I implemented into my life the principles God has revealed to me in the Word?
- Am I accomplishing the goals the Lord has given me to do?
- Can I stand before Him with a heart free of condemnation, a clear conscience knowing that I have given it my best effort, I have worked hard, I have believed to achieve His will?
- What changes do I need to make to my life, schedule, commitments and financial resources to do what God has told me to do?
It is important to appraise (measure) your life on the status of God’s plan.
We are to thank Him for the victories and successes so far and move on to new and greater goals. This will guard against a prideful heart that focuses on past accomplishments and reputation and ensures a heart focused on God’s plan and the work still to be done.
Father help me to keep my mind’s eye focused on You and to keep striving forward to what is next. Do not let me take comfort, or settle down on the opinions of others or past victories. But help me to evaluate my life according to your Word and what You have already revealed to me.
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