[Source: City Harvest Church bulletin dated 19 & 20 July 2014. This article is adapted from Daily Living With Kong Hee. To subscribe to Kong's Daily Email Devotionals, log on to konghee.com]
God wants to raise each one of us as a person of great ability and action in His kingdom. "By this My Father is glorified, that your bear much fruit: so you will be My disciples." - John 15:8
Christianity is not a superstitious, magical faith where we as believers just sit back and wait for blessings to fall from heaven. Our success and productivity in life depends on our conscious decision to BE successful, productive, and able for God.
I want to share with you some thoughts on how to increase your ability and productivity for God's glory. As you choose to deliberately "skill up" and work hard, may you find more purpose, meaning, and success in everything you put your hand to accomplish.
1: The Impact Of Maximized Ability
What you have and where you are today are directly connected to your ability. That may or may not be an encouragement to you, depending on where you are in life right now, but the beautiful thing is this: Your abilities and skills can be stretched! And it is God's desire to help you achieve maximized levels of productivity and success in your life!
Read about the parable of the talents in Matt.25:15. The man with the five talents produced five more by reason of his effective use. Similarly, the effective use of your abilities and skills will lead to an increase in them. The more you use the abilities you've been given today, the more responsibility you'll be able to handle tomorrow. So make the most of what you have been given by God.
2: The Impact Of A Bad Attitude
Sometimes, what seems to be inability or a lack of productivity simply boils down to a bad attitude.
In Matthew 25, the man with the one talent didn't want to apply himself. So he masqueraded and covered up his laziness by blaming his boss for being unfair. But really, it was the man's bad attitude that caused his unfruitfulness.
We all need to surrender our attitudes to God; take responsibility for the abilities and opportunities He has given you and maximize them effectively. Greater responsibility will always be given when you have greater ability.
It doesn't matter whether He has given you much or just a little. It's your attitude toward it that counts. Apply your whole heart and soul into what you are doing and I guarantee you that you will see it flourish.
3: The Impact Of The Company You Keep
When it comes to friendships, I love this old saying that states rather succinctly: You can't soar like an eagle if you hang around turkeys. The truth is, your abilities, productivity and success in life will either be hindered or enhanced by the friends you have and the company you keep.
Many people have great abilities and amazing talents, but because they hang with the wrong crowd, they can never rise to their highest potential and be as successful as God intended! The Bible says in 1 Cor. 15:33, "Do not be deceived:"Evil company corrupts good habits."
If you're not making the most of your abilities because of the negative influence of others, then I encourage you to evaluate your relationships today. It is absolutely crucial that you align yourself with the right friendships -- those who will encourage you to make the most of all God has given you!
The more you make use of your God-given abilities and talents, the greater the opportunities you will be given by God to put them to use in even greater ways!
And with more given, you will be able to become even more fruitful in your life, to the glory of God!
Preaching the gospel of Christ in a way that's both progressive and heartfelt, Dr. Kong Hee is a highly sought-after conference speaker worldwide, and his messages minister to millions of people around the world who are inspired to become true ambassadors for Christ wherever God has placed them. Kong is also the founder and senior pastor of City Harvest Church -- a thriving, contemporary congregation in the heart of Singapore. His international TV program, Alive! with Kong, encourages millions around the world each week. for more information on Kong's ministry and materials, please visit konghee.com.
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