ARE YOUR WORDS SELF MOTIVATING OR DEFEATING?

I spoke recently to a friend who is super-efficient, incredibly capable, and the rock on which her boss relies.But as we talked, she confessed to being motivated by guilt.  I should do this. I must do that. If I don’t, then who will—and then what? If I’m serving the Lord then I have to say YES to everything.Do you recognize these kinds of nagging thoughts that motivate you to stay on an exhausting treadmill? Do you believe it is the Lord pushing you to the limits of your strength before He says Enough? Does that fit the One who actually said, Come to me and I will give you rest—not non-stop stress!Many of you have heard me teach that we have to examine our self-talk and ask:

  • Is this coming from the Lord—or is it coming from my distorted ideas of serving God? Is the inability to set boundaries for myself coming from inner needs?

  • Is this consistent with God’s loving purposes for me—which does include working, pressing on, and persevering in serving Him—but also peace and joy, the fruit of a Spirit-led life?

  • Have I talked honestly with God about my thoughts, struggles and responses? Allowing Him to speak can be the beginning of a new path.

Being driven by guilt and obligation can easily lead to hidden resentment about what you yourself chose to.In a recent blog titled, How a Small Shift in Your Vocabulary Can Instantly Change Your Attitude, visionary leader and author Michael Hyatt, described the power of two little words: HAVE TO and GET TO. He was telling a friend that he HAD TO go and speak at a conference. His own words and tone grabbed his attention. He realized that he sounded as though he was obliged and even a little resentful.

Have you ever had a wake-up moment where God said, “Look at yourself? Look at how you’re speaking about a blessing I have given to you.” I certainly have!

Michael went on to remind himself how fortunate he was—that others would love to have the opportunities he had. And that even if some responsibilities aren’t fun or exciting, doing our duty is part of being a Christ-follower.The second expression, I GET TO DO THIS, he describes as the language of privilege. What a difference it makes when we look at everything we do as an opportunity, a privilege, and not a burden. At times I need this reminder. I expect you do, too.

  • I get to do what God has called me to. His words to Peter “Feed my sheep” spoke to me so strongly when I was fresh out of teaching for Bible Study Fellowship. I asked God, What do you want to do with my life? With my love of your Word? With my longing to encourage women to know your presence and power in their lives, especially when life is hard.

I don’t HAVE TO write, speak, counsel, or encourage—I’m privileged to GET TO DO THIS.

  • I get to be a wife, to care about my husband and not neglect him. I get to be a mother and grandmother. I get to have friends who build into me and urge me to keep on running the race. I get to belong to a church. I get to spend time with God.

Let me challenge you to ask yourself:

Qu: What am I finding a burden? Is my attitude: I have to… or I get to?Email me or let’s talk on FB.

Love to you, Poppy

If you haven't read my book Speaking Wisely: Exploring the Power of Words, I encourage you to give it a read. If you're interested in having me lead a retreat, my Speak Wisely: Your Words Have Power is a great one! 

Photo credit: DollarPhoto Club

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