Born to Shine?
Were you born to shine in one special way? What makes you really stand out?
As I read this prompt on this particular day, I considered several reasons why I might have been born to shine or stand out.
For certain, at a height of 6'2", I stand out in a crowd. People may assume I was a basketball star. I did play basketball in high school. But, I wasn't a star by their standards.
By the reputation of my family members within Christian and secular circles, I might have been born to shine. I have certainly had opportunities to lead and serve. Yet, I have learned and endured the reality that reputation means nothing.
My writing ability could be a way to shine and stand out. But, even that has been suppressed by circumstances.
I could feel discouraged. Honestly, sometimes I am. Except for one critical, essential reason that makes me think I might and still could shine and stand out.
If my life brings glory to God.
The rest of it means nothing. Not physical stature. Not "spotless" reputation. Not personal talents or achievements.
If I shine, it must be only because He shines through me. If I stand out, it must be only because He keeps me standing firm.
although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more....But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.