‘…Stay within the [boundaries] of the work which God has set for [you]…’
2 CORINTHIANS 10:13 GNT
Nobody is good at everything, and nobody is called to do everything. God has given each of us clearly defined roles in life. Paul understood that his job wasn’t to accomplish everything or try to please everyone, but to focus on what God had called and equipped him to do: ‘Our goal is to stay within the [boundaries] of the work which God has set for us.’ Only as you do that will you be successful, as God defines success. Satan will try to rob you of the joy of serving by getting you to compare yourself with others, or getting you to conform to the expectations of others. Don’t fall into his trap! You’ll always find someone who seems to be doing a better job than you, and you’ll become discouraged. Or you’ll find someone who doesn’t seem to be as successful as you, and you’ll become conceited. Either way, you lose out. ‘Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else’ (Galatians 6:4 NLT). There will always be people who don’t understand your God-given role in life or agree with you. That’s okay; don’t let it break your stride! ‘Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of…’ (2 Timothy 2:15 TM). ‘Tell them all this. Build up their courage, and discipline them if they get out of line. You’re in charge. Don’t let anyone put you down’ (Titus 2:15 TM). John Bunyan, author of the Christian classic, Pilgrim’s Progress, wrote: ‘If my life is fruitless it doesn’t matter who praises me. And if it’s fruitful it doesn’t matter who criticizes me.’ So, just do what God’s called you to do!
Bible In A Year: Ecc 11:7 – 12:1, Ps 39:4-13, 2 Tim 4:6-8
