Progress

"Progress"...Definition: A movement toward a goal, or to a further or higher stage. I have been pondering the topic of progress lately. I am the type of guy who expects greatness from myself. There are times that I settle for less when I shouldn't, there are times when I fail at things, but overall I expect and achieve a high standard in most of what I set out to do. While this is a good thing, there are times that it can be a detriment. When things aren't going my way, when I'm not getting the results I desire there is a tendency in my life and in my own mind to feel like I am failing. While I may "feel" like I am failing at something weather it be a business venture, a relationship, or what have you I have to keep in mind the thought of progress, and ask myself am I moving towards the goal, the dream, the aspiration I have set out to achieve. If the answer is "No" then I definitely should make some adjustments to what I'm doing. If I don't feel like I'm moving at a good pace there is usually something I can do about that as well. But if I'm giving it my best, and I have not yet accomplished my goal, I can have a sense of peace in that I am making progress toward the goal and to a further and higher stage of life.

I was thinking about the reality of progress when it comes to our walk with the Lord. I believe in a miracle working God. However I also believe that God is progressive in his relationships with his children (You and I). I believe God has plans and purposes for each one of our lives but the only way to fulfill these plans and purposes of God is to consistently progress in your relationship with him. You could call it growth, maturity, whatever you want to term it, but to be consistently moving forward it what I believe God is after from us. He's not looking for perfection although his standard is perfection...the blood of Jesus makes us perfect in his sight. He's looking for a people who will constantly move forward in their relationship with him so he can take them to higher levels if influence, effectiveness, empowerment, and purpose in life.

Are you making progress today? It just takes one step today, one step tomorrow, one step each day toward the goal and you'll be there before you know it. Fretting and worrying and complaining does nothing. Empowerment comes through progress!

Cheers,

Chad