“You will always be you — a growing, healthy you or a languishing you — but God did not create you to be anybody else.”- John Ortberg
In Chapter 1 (“Learn Why God Made You”) of The Me I Want to Be, John Ortberg notes that specific achievements or experiences fail to define life. Rather, the most important task of your life consists of who you become.
Furthermore, Pastor Ortberg asserts, God created you to flourish. But, it’s impossible to flourish looking out for “number one.” God’s called you to a grander and nobler vision. As a result of that calling, your flourish as you bring God’s wisdom and glory to the world. In addition, as you flourish you always bring blessing to others. And often this happens in the most humble and unexpected circumstances.
Also, only God knows your full potential. He constantly guides you toward that best version of yourself. Hence, God redirects – rather than discards – your raw material. In other words, God creates and, if necessary, rescues. Despite your procrastination or plodding, God continues to encourage you. In fact, He delights every time you grow. Thus, John describes flourishing as:
- God’s gift and plan
- immeasurable via outward signs such as income or possessions
- growing into the person God had in mind when He created you
In conclusion, John announces this good news:
“When you flourish, you become more you . . . more the person God had in mind when he thought you up. . . . God wants you to become a ‘new creation.’ But ‘new’ doesn’t mean completely different; instead, it’s like an old piece of furniture that gets restored to its intended beauty.”
Today’s question: What unique qualities enhance your ability to grow into a healthy, rather than languishing, version of you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Battle between a flourishing self and a languishing self”
