What Holds You Back

 

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  Romans 12:6 

 

Want to make your life count for God? Confront your defects of character, see them for what they are - hindrances - and begin to work on them one by one. ‘What hindrances’’ you ask. (1) Pride! Spiritual pride, social pride, racial pride. God hates any form of pride that looks down on others. Listen: ‘‘with humility, regard one another as more important than himself’ (Philippians 2:3). Pride toppled Satan and it’ll topple you too. You’re just the glove, God is the hand that fills it and accomplishes things through it. Never forget that! (2) Insecurity! Insecure people are unwilling to take a risk. They prefer to remain comfortable and they’re basically unexciting. If you believe God is with you, how can you be insecure? (3) Moodiness! Moody people are like the wind: you can’t tell which way they’ll blow next. You can’t depend on them. Confidence is never built on a person who’s fickle. (4) Perfectionism! Perfectionism is the obsessive need always to perform flawlessly. It stifles creativity and freedom, and turns people off. Perfectionists can’t affirm themselves; therefore, it’s difficult for them to affirm anybody else. (5) Over-sensitivity! Over-sensitive people are constantly licking their wounds and looking inward; they’re totally unaware of the needs of others. Ironically, they never understand why they’re so lonely. (6) Negativism! Negative people are depressing to be around. Their personality says ‘no’ to life in general. Folks tend to avoid them like the plague. Why not work on removing these ‘hindrances’ from your life?