Careful Exploration – Galatians Part 14

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Galatians 6 (Link)

4 Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. 5 Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. (Galatians 6:4-5 MSG)

Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Socrates was right! The mythical Greek Oracle of Delphi said, “Know thyself.” The Oracle of Delphi was right!  Paul said, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given.” Paul was right, too! 

Socrates was stating an important philosophical principle. The Oracle of Delphi was giving good advice. Paul, on the other hand, was declaring that God has a specific work that is specifically tailored to the person he made me to be, and that it is my privilege and responsibility to find it and “sink myself into it.” So I must make a careful exploration of who I am and the work I’ve been given to do!

Paul was speaking the word of God that is a light for my path and a lamp for my feet. Paul was telling me how to align my life with the purpose for which God made me as I am and put me where I am.

Here are some ways to be obediently responsive and responsible:

  • I’ll explore who I am – re-examining strengths, passion, gifting, hopes, and dreams.
  • I’ll explore the work I’ve been given – what has worked well, the opportunities God presents, the needs that remain to be addressed.
  • I’m discovering that creativity is re-kindling as my life-margins increase.
  • I’m stepping forward with faith in my heart and joy in my soul!

Let’s do this!

Prayer:

Father, Jean and I are in a season of carefully exploring who we are and what you have given us to do in the remaining time we have to serve you. Help us to neither be impressed with what we’ve done so far, nor foolish enough to compare that with what others have or haven’t done. We accept responsibility for doing the creative best we can with who and what we are. Help us to fulfill the specific purpose you have in mind for the rest of our days of life and service.  Amen.