READ
REFLECT
Why are some people more productive than others? What makes successful people achieve bigger and better things? Is it simply talent? Talent and training are critical in achieving success, but the most impactful attribute is a spirit of gratitude. Gratitude empowers us to think and act more positively.
In order to experience lasting success, we must go to work, school, or train with an attitude that says, “I can’t believe I get to be here!” We have to be consistent and dedicate ourselves to God’s purpose for us.
This is the attitude of champions, and it is also the way God made us to thrive in today’s world. The gospel message keeps this spirit alive within us. As imperfect people we have no right to claim the experience of new life through our relationship with God, but His grace made everything possible.
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. – Ephesians 2 (The Message)
RESPOND
Start a 5-minute timer and list everything that comes to mind for which you are thankful.
