Fulfillment

Fulfillment

This is not a scheduled Sunday School lesson, however this word has been resonating with me. - its defined in Google as the satisfaction or happiness as a result of fully developing one's abilities or character. The pronunciation of the word itself just sounds like you're full of joy or peace or what ever it is you need to keep you on this journey of life. One thing that stood out to me in the definition was "fully developing one's abilities or character." - In life, I believe our abilities or character are never FULLY developed. We are always or should be seeking to grow; in faith, in skills, in knowledge, in loving, in everything. I began this as a formal paper, but I feel it should be written otherwise. Ephesians 4: 1-3 says  "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,  with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." To me, this is fulfillment - As previously mentioned, I don't believe we as humans are ever fully developed in our character or abilities - so the Bible reveals to me in this scripture that we are to walk worthy of the calling, the journey, the mission that God has called us to take. I believe the first step for us is to allow God to give us our purpose. Let me explain, we are often encouraged and pushed to go out and find our purpose - but the key element often missed is praying that it be revealed.  Proverbs 19 "There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand."  Meaning, we can do all the planning, studying, dreaming, but as time goes on; Only the Will of God will prevail.  Back to Ephesians 4 :2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." When we walk, may we all walk with these traits. These are words of fulfillment to me. If I pop this phrase into any area of my life; I see fulfillment. Sliding lowliness and gentleness with my family, longsuffering and bearing with on another in love in my relationship, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in my church, job, home, school, or community; it all fits. Its all fulfilling; satisfaction and happiness as a result of. I began this paper intending to go a different route with the point I wanted to set out. The enemy had began to plant the thought in my mind "well what about you?" "what is this person or that person doing to help you fulfill your purpose?" As I began to write - I learned that fulfillment is what you make it, its how you perceive what God is doing in and through your life. Along with the scripture in Ephesians, I find fulfillment in giving and helping others succeed.  I find supreme encouragement in John 15:16 Jesus told His disciples "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you." So, without expecting handouts, recognition, or even appreciation - we should trust that what God can give is far greater! Acting in spite of, caring when its so much easier not to, giving when you don't have much are examples - but more importantly we should love because we are commanded to!

Don't let your thoughts sit in your mind; but write so that God can straighten them out for you to His Glory. Keep your morals, standards, and expectations in life, but genuinely trust that only He can give you the fulfillment you really need and the people to help you along the way!

Thanks for reading. - To my Sunshine, Forever and Always- and -The 5ive for Life- I love yall!!!!!!