Stepping off the Treadmill of the World’s Priorities!

During times of overwhelming crisis, we lose practical steps to put in place what God wants us to do. We run from one crisis to another trying to prevent the next crisis. We allow obligations to pull us in multiple directions. Eventually, we fall down in exhaustion with nothing working.

I was known for being the responsible one. I remember my girlfriend’s mother say, “If Ruth is going then you can go.” Without realizing it, I made this my identity. It wasn’t in just my family, but at school and work. I would end up cleaning up and helping others even when it wasn’t something I started. Finally, after many years of carrying this burden, I complained to God. Now, I know you don’t do this, but I did. I said, “Why am I always the one who gets all the work and none of the credit?”

Plowing in the Wrong Field!

God answered me by asking me a question. “Why are you plowing in another man’s field expecting a crop?” My response was, “What do you mean?” I am helping people and doing the Christian thing.” God’s response was, “Just because you can help someone, doesn’t mean you should.” That remark was a wake up call that cause me to reevaluate why I was doing what I did.

Without realizing it, I was on the world’s treadmill of doing good works instead of God’s works. The trap of good works causes us to do thing we are not called to do. It stops the law of reaping and sowing. The problem will never get fixed if we step in and take the burden off a broken system. We wonder why people can’t breakout of cycles of destruction. Good works can be the enabler that allows this pattern of destruction to keep repeating.

First Step to Freedom!

Here are some steps that will allow you to remove your identity from good works to God’s works. First, stop and ask God what he wants you to do. I stand on the following scripture that puts my destiny into God’s hands. Proverbs 3:4-5 TPT “Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.” This will break off any mindsets that have kept you trapped in a cycle of destruction. Many times, we do things because we think it is a good idea. A good idea is NOT a God idea. This step resets the way you think and allows you to say no to other’s expectations.

When you adjust your thinking to God’s priorities, others may get upset with your change. Many people do not want to carry the responsibility of their own problems.  Once you take a stand against these wrong expectations, then you can get God’s direction.

He has gifted you to fulfill a destiny that influences the people and places he has placed you in. This is where you will have a voice of influence. You might have to let go of some people you thought were friends, but this leaves room for friends God has for you.

You can let the world dictate your path with shame, guilt, or destructive behavior. Being needed is not our identity! You are God’s kid with a destiny that you will be accountable to fulfill. God’s path is not the easiest, but it is a life of kingdom abundance that pays an eternal reward. It is your chose. You got this!

Prayer

Father God,

I lift up all the people who read this teaching. You helped me escape the treadmills of the world. I ask that you reveal the traps people are in and the escape route you have for them. Give them the strength to swim up the stream of the world’s expectations. Holy Spirit empower and gift them with your wisdom and strength. Thank you, Jesus, for making a way and allowing us to walk in your kingdom with victory and joy. Amen!

Scriptures

Luke 10:38-42; Galatians 6:7; Job 4:8; Proverbs 11:18; Luke 19:21-22; Ephesians 4:20-28; John 14:15-21; 1 Timothy 3:7; John 10:10