Pastor Andrew concluded our series, Self-Inflicted, with his message "It's In My Hands where he teaches about choosing a healthy mindset and Godly outlook on life.
Pastor Andrew concluded our series, Self-Inflicted, with a profound insight: The power of choosing a healthy mindset and Godly outlook on life. He emphasized the importance of guarding our perception, cautioning against the self-deception that can occur when we view reality through distorted lenses. It is easy to adopt false beliefs, deceiving ourselves with narratives that do not align with God’s truth.
To navigate this, we must identify what is true and what is false. We do this by what the bible calls “testing.” Ultimately, this process of testing is pivotal in determining our worldview. Will we see ourselves as victims of circumstance or as stewards of the diverse grace bestowed upon us by God?
In exploring the concept of grace, Pastor Andrew illuminated two distinct types of grace: the universal grace extended to all and the unique, varied grace of God. He cautioned against overstepping our bounds by attempting to manage the lives of others, which inevitably leads to frustration and fear. Such actions are caused by operating beyond our designated grace zone, hindering our personal growth and development.
It is a common misstep, Pastor Andrew noted, to covet another's grace zone without acknowledging the accompanying responsibilities. Instead, he encouraged us to embrace stewardship of our own gifts and talents, striving for fruitfulness rather than succumbing to frustration. We must recognize that we hold the keys to our own lives and empower us to take ownership and responsibility. In moments of doubt or uncertainty, Pastor Andrew reminded us of our spiritual authority over all things bestowed upon us by God. Through this lens of faith, we find reassurance and guidance, affirming our capacity to shape our destinies and fulfill our divine purpose.
Big Idea: Let’s be grateful that we are not victims of our circumstances while staying on guard to not become a victim of our outlook.
Reflective Questions:
• Are you stewarding well the things that God has given you?
• What kind of outlook do you have over your life? Discuss this in-depth with a trusted mentor or City Group Leader.
• What could you do this week that would help you operate in more of a Godly mindset/outlook on your life?
Statements to Declare Over Your Life:
• God has given me all that I need to be successful.
• I will be a good steward of all the things that God has given me.
• I believe God has good plans for me.
