Capability

<<potential, capacity>>

Humans have huge possibilities for good and evil as revealed throughout history. Even as Christians, although we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, we are still sinners at heart and have the potential to fall into serious sin, not just the day to day transgressions. The Bible warns, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Cor 10:12). This is why we should be continually monitoring our attitudes and actions besides being in accountability with others who can scrutinize our lives to see potentially harmful situations or trends developing. Fill your mind with good so there is the increased probability of good resulting (Mt 12:35). Having a positive mental attitude coupled with faith and an enterprising spirit will enable you to continually expand your capability, so attempting great things for God. In humility understand “By myself I can do nothing…[yet] I can do everything [that He wants me to do] through Him who gives me strength” (Jn 5:30; Phil 4:13). I am the vessel, but He is the divine power. I believe in what I can do because of who He is in me. It is when I make myself available He gives the ability. It is not my power but His Spirit that achieves (Zech 4:6). Be committed to “Do whatever He says to you” (Jn 2:5). “May God…equip you with everything good for doing His will” (Heb 13:20,21).

I can do greater things than I can imagine because “He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us” (Eph 3:20). Do not underestimate the power of God to change a hardened sinner into a redeemed follower of Christ. The wonder working power of blood of Jesus is capable of bringing total transformation if there is our co-operation with the Holy Spirit. There must always be a willingness on our part for Him to work in and through us.

God has a very special interest that my life achieves His calling for me. He has chosen to use me for His glory. Will I respond and co-operate with Him? Abilities are His gifts to us, not for personal glory but the tools to touch the world for His kingdom. Get a grasp of His heart for people. He wants all people to be saved and come into a knowledge of the truth,

With Christ we can do much more than we think we are capable of

to live free of the power of sin (1 Tim 2:4). As we grow He will move us beyond our comfort zone. The more capable you are the more useful and confident you will be, yet we must continually remember whatever we have has come from God (Deut 8:18). Just like our salvation, the potential always comes from Him and not from us (Eph 2:8,9). Capability is gained through knowledge and experience as we apply ourselves. Am I motivated to become a more capable person, especially in the specific calling on my life? Who knows when what we have learned will be needed. Give yourself for people – it’s what Christ did. Believe in yourself, He does.

Seldom does a person possess all the capabilities to fulfill their calling. We need others to supplement our deficiencies and with whom we walk with in accountability.

Jabez prayed, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory” (1 Chr 4:10). This was not a selfish prayer but he wanted to be more effective, to make His life count. As you get more proficient at a particular task do not lose sight of your roots or the fact that God has enabled you to progress – there is no place for pride or self-sufficiency to take over (1 Sam 15:17).