Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
When COVID struck in the summer of 2020, I was 41, weighed 382 lbs., and carried just
over $200,000 in debt. My routine involved long work hours, followed by crashing on the couch for 4-6 hours of TV. Weekends consisted of Bible study and church, with rare engagements in family activities and the remainder of time spent watching TV. Then, during the pandemic, I glimpsed a retirement preview – three weeks of non-stop TV, an unsettling foreshadowing.
In that trial retirement period, I realized I’d been a consumer most of my life.
This revelation prompted a yearning for better health, financial freedom, meaningful activities, and improved relationships. I need to learn how to stop being a consumer.
The self-help world calls avid consumers “Content Zombies” – those who consume but don’t apply what they have learned. The trap of being a content zombie arises from the allure of experiencing something new without actual change.
Change only occurs once an action is taken. The most effective way to take action and create lasting change is by pouring into others. You can not give what you do not have; the more you have, the more you can give. By putting yourself in a place where you must pour out to others, you will be required to fill your bucket.
This reminds me of the song I sang growing up in Sunday school:
“The Magic Penny” by Malvina Reynolds
The chorus says:
It's just like a magic penny,
Hold it tight, and you won't have any.
Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many
They'll roll all over the floor.
The “it’s” refers to love, the primary motivator of being a disciple-maker. Growth is the leading cultivator of love. If we want to be effective disciple-makers, we must love those we disciple. To love, we must have something to give. To have something to give, we must grow. To effectively grow, we must give what we have to those we love.
In the words of John C. Maxwell, “When you focus more on the wants and needs of others, more of your wants and needs are met.” Therefore, take your growth, lend it, spend it, and you will have so many…
Go, outlive your limits!
P.S. I would love the opportunity to share my growth with you so we can both have an abundant life. It would be my honor to serve as your coach. Please contact me to set up a discovery session!