"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22
Life is a series of experiences that can shape and teach us for our betterment if we allow them to. The great man of faith, Job, equates his life experiences to the gold-refining process. "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold." Job 23:10.
I. The characteristics of the Do-ers
Do-ers embrace the life lessons they learn from every encounter…good or bad.
They see experiences as a stepping stone to the refinement of their character and are willing to take risks as a result.
They are not afraid to make mistakes because they understand that failures pave the road to success.
Do-ers see themselves as students who are constantly learning and growing their potential.
"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."
Proverbs 18:15
II. The characteristics of the Don't- ers
Don't-ers see opportunities as a pass/fail endeavor.
The event has greater significance than the experience.
They perceive any failure as fatal to their future.
They don't see the growth opportunity embedded in the failure; they only see the failure itself.
Past experiences cause them to fear mistakes, and then they make excuses to talk themselves out of stepping out again.
These excuses seem rational to them because the end goal of a Don't-er is to avoid the pain of their worst fear—failure.
But excuses are simply "lies" in disguise. They keep people from their potential and their ultimate destiny.
Don't-ers will come up with every reason why they can't do something.
Their self-limiting fears keep them from opening themselves up to new opportunities.
III. We are called to be Doers
As Holy-Ghost-filled believers and disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to be doers of the Word.
To believe big and risk much.
To embrace experiences and acquire knowledge.
Don't be a critic, be a disciple.
Critics are always looking for what's wrong, but disciples are always seeking a chance to learn and grow.
The famous poet T.S. Eliot said, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
Have a Blessed Week
Pastor (Rev. Elias Limones)
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