Self-fulfillment

<<achieving our hopes>>

Each of us has goals we hope to accomplish in our lifetime, and a legacy we wish to leave behind. Through planning, motivation and consistent effort we are able to turn some of our dreams into reality by using our abilities and talents and so experience a measure of satisfaction and fulfilment, yet by trying to reach your full potential, do not leave God out of the equation. We are to submit our plans to

Who is supreme in my life – God or me?

Him, knowing that the final outcome will be vastly different to our original concepts with our paramount responsibility at all times is to love Him with our total being and care for others in servanthood (Prov 3:5,6; Mk 12:30,31; Phil 2:4). This is outworked by surrendering to Him and putting the desires of others before our own with the focus not being to make us famous, but Christ, who came to earth to do what the Father wanted (Mt 20:28; Jn 5:30, 10:11, 15:13; 2 Cor 8:5; Gal 2:20; 1 Jn 3:16).

The world can be described as 'lovers of self' with their driving force being on what self wants and while in this life such ambitious, independent and self-assured people may be successful, if Jesus is not their Saviour it will ultimately amount to nothing (2 Tim 3:2). In contrast, as Christians we should be fulfilled in Christ, living for Him who gave Himself in our place (2 Cor 5:15; Phil 2:3,4). After Paul had been converted he considered his impressive previous track record was totally worthless in comparison to knowing Christ (Phil 3:4-9). Everyone has immense worth yet this potential is only outworked beneficially from the eternal perspective through relationship and obedience to Him (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18, 5:17; Eph 2:10, 4:20-24). As Christians, we should be highly motivated yet co-operate with God to be all that He designed us to be, not what we in our carnality desire or proudly think we have achieved without Him (Deut 8:18; Dan 4:30-37).

Unsaved people sometimes consult their assigned spirit guides who allegedly direct them and help them to live fulfilled lives as they come into a greater spiritual awareness. This belief is contrary to Bible teaching.