In Colossians 1:28-29 NIV, Paul writes, “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”
Paul knew how big our mission of “admonishing and teaching everyone” is. But, Paul also knew that we can’t and shouldn’t serve “everyone” in our own strength.
God supplies the power, energy, and strength necessary for His work.
How are we supposed to live with His energy when we have to make dinner, respond to emails, work, clean the bathroom, and make it to our kids practice on time?
Here are three biblical principles to help you serve with the strength and energy God supplies:
- Keep an Eternal Mindset (2 Cor 4:17-18)
An eternal mindset is this: thinking, implementing, and dwelling on the commands of Christ above the demands of this world.
It’s so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day life that we forget it’s all temporary. Hours, days, and seasons come and go, but tasks like discipling our children, sharing the Gospel with our neighbors, and serving will last.
Once we recognize and live in this truth, we can depend more fully on the God’s strength and energy. He has called us, and He will equip us for the eternal work at hand.
- Know and Use Your Gifts (1 Pet 4:10)
As believers filled with the Spirit, we’ve each been given spiritual gifts and a role to fulfill. It’s only when we each do our part the work is accomplished. Knowing our gifts grants us the freedom to fulfill our calling.
We don’t have to do it all! In other words, use the gifts you’ve been given and allow others to do the same. Stay in your lane.
This type of obedience is not only pleasing to God, but it also prevents us from becoming overworked and stretched too thin.
- Rest in God. (Gen 2:1)
Yes, we have work to do. But, if the Creator rested, shouldn’t we? It’s no question as to why we lack energy when we refuse to stop working, overextend ourselves, and never slow down.
Maybe this doesn’t mean we complete everything on our to-do lists with absolutely nothing left to do, but instead, we work for an allotted time with the energy God supplies. Then we stop and refresh, recognizing that our best efforts bring glory to God.
Working with an end in mind helps us to depend on God’s strength. Resting acknowledges that God’s sovereignty and ability to work even when we are not.
If you’re feeling sluggish in your spiritual walk and could use some renewed energy, take some time today to remember just Who the source of your energy is.
Remember with the Spirit’s strength, we will have the energy we need to complete the mission at hand.
“Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” – Hebrews 12:1b-2a HCSB
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