ORACLES: Lesson 17

“Life does not unlock greatness with average.”

“What sets you apart from all of the other believers in this room?” These are the words I heard as I sat amidst thousands during a conference for Christians. I looked around and assessed how many were probably just like me—filled with dreams, hopes and an ever longing vision. In response, I restated the question I heard: What would set me apart?

In that moment I was motivated to stir the gifts and talents that lay dormant within me. In that space of three minutes I was challenged to pursue the dreams and vision that idled behind laziness and presumption. Sure, I wouldn’t see the end result in a day, but I reasoned, each day I could work on it. And so, from that conference I raised my expectations, applied myself a little more, worked a little harder and became a better steward, a better manager of my time.

I made a choice between excuses and being responsible, between waiting and working, between empty faith and faith with works. I realized, I could live each day waiting for the breakthrough or I could do everything within my power to pursue what I envisioned to the fullest extent of integrity, uprightness and moral fortitude. I made a choice—a conscious decision to pursue; thereby, I became more obedient to God than ever before, more conscious of my short goals, more guarded with my time and more willing to challenge my excuses. Low and behold, I produced at a different level!

Years later, with some goals met and projects completed, complacency loomed again until I heard someone say, “Life does not unlock greatness with average”. It was a reminder, a prompting to pursue God with diligence again, to rid the excuses again, and again manage my time prudently—simply because there is always more to accomplish. As an allegory, just because you’ve read a chapter does not mean you’ve finished a book. I finished a few chapters in life and thought it concluded the book! The same may be true for you! You may have had good success in some areas but as long as you’re living there are more mountains to subdue and more targets to hit.

If you have reached any success, you have not arrived, you’ve only plateaued. There is more in you that must come out. Where you are may be commendable but it is still a stair-step to where you’re supposed to be. So keep working because destiny awaits!