“When you discover your strengths, you are learning an indispensable part of what it means to be made in the image of God.”- John Ortberg
In Chapter 19 (“Let God Flow in Your Work”) of The Me I Want to Be, John Ortberg discusses finding God in your work. Also, John points out how you allow your work to move you toward the person God wants you to become.
Thus, you must first discover your strengths. The “strengths movement,” associated with Marcus Buckingham, calls people to stop focusing on improving weaknesses. Rather, people need to name and develop their strengths. This reflects God’s design. Pastor Ortberg explains:
“Each of us has certain strengths. We were born with them, they will always be our strengths, and we delight in them. Work happens best when we discover these strengths, put them to use, and focus on developing them. Trying to improve our weaknesses is like trying to teach a rabbit to swim or a snail to race. God’s design for work is best when it goes from ‘strength to strength.’ ”
Therefore, activities that thrill and challenge you enable you to study the handiwork of God. In addition, totally immersing yourself in a significant, challenging task matching your highest abilities puts you in the flow.
In conclusion, John believes this picture of flow illustrates the true meaning of the word dominion. John states that dominion means we are to:
- invest our abilities to create value on earth
- build, plant, write, organize, heal, and invest in ways that bless people and make the earth flourish
When flow’s present, the author states, “something happens in our spirit as we connect with a reality beyond ourselves and partner with God.”
Today’s question: Who or what has provided the greatest help for you to discover your strengths? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Experience the Spirit in your work”
