‘One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek.’` Psalm 27:4 NKJV
In order to succeed, there are certain things you must give up.
1) You can’t be friends with everybody. Jesus loved everybody but spent most of His time with twelve people mentoring them. And He spent extra time with Peter, James, and John, His inner circle. At His life’s end, He could say, ‘I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do’ (John 17:4 NIV).
2) You can’t do everything. Because of the fast pace of our society, people tend to multi-task. But shifting from task to task can cost you up to 40 per cent efficiency. According to researchers, you will get more done focusing on one task at a time, not switching constantly from one task to another. David said, ‘One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek.’
3) You can’t be well rounded. Yes, there must be a balance between your private world and your public one. But it’s a myth to believe that you can know everyone, do everything, go everywhere, and have everything. You don’t need to know 99 per cent of everything in life; you just need to focus on the 1 per cent that gives you the highest return. If you’re too easily distracted, you need people in your life who are empowered to ‘call you on it’ and help you get back on track. You need to know what you should and shouldn’t be bothered about.
Bottom line: in order to go higher and achieve greater things, you must be willing to lay aside certain things. Even good things (see Hebrews 12:1-3).
Giving up and Sacrifice in our Journey
In our journey of faith and personal growth, there are certain things we must give up. These include the expectation of being friends with everybody and the desire to do everything. The following Bible verses shed light on these principles:
1. Psalm 27:4 (NIV): “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. It encourages us to focus on seeking His presence and experiencing His beauty.
2. John 17:4 (NIV): “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
In this verse, Jesus speaks to His Father, acknowledging that He has accomplished the work He was given. It teaches us the value of fulfilling our God-given purpose rather than trying to do everything.
3. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
This verse encourages us to let go of anything that hinders our spiritual growth and distracts us from fulfilling our purpose. It emphasizes the need for perseverance and staying focused on the path set before us.
By understanding these principles, we recognize that we cannot be friends with everybody and do everything, and that’s okay. Here’s why:
1. Relationships: Not everyone will align with our values, beliefs, or aspirations. It is important to seek genuine and edifying friendships that support our spiritual journey. We should invest our time and energy into relationships that uplift and encourage us in our faith.
2. Time and Energy: We have limited time and energy. Trying to do everything can lead to burnout and prevent us from focusing on what truly matters. By discerning our priorities and aligning them with God’s will, we can invest our time and energy in activities that align with our purpose.
3. Spiritual Growth: Giving up the need to be friends with everybody and do everything allows us to focus on our spiritual growth. It gives us space to deepen our relationship with God, seek His guidance, and pursue the path He has set for us.
4. Faithful Stewardship: Recognizing our limitations helps us practice faithful stewardship of our resources, talents, and opportunities. It allows us to be intentional and effective in the areas where God has called us to serve and make a difference.
In conclusion, these Bible verses remind us of the need to prioritize our relationship with God, seek His will, and focus on fulfilling our purpose rather than trying to please everyone or do everything. By surrendering our desires to God and embracing His guidance, we can experience a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
