Life: A Work in Progress

Construction is everywhere. Despite the slow economy, one can find roads being constructed or repaved, new buildings being erected and landscapes being overhauled. Here in Smyrna, there are a number of these projects on the move. While money is certainly tight these days, construction is made a priority and continues on because people see the importance in keeping things maintained and growing. Without growth and change, things can get stale and unrefined quickly. The same can be true in our lives as well once we stop taking the steps needed to keep growing.

It is much easier to be complacent than it is to keep growing and there can be several reasons why. One of the key reasons is that we become satisfied with who we are and what we do. To put it frankly, we decide that the exact person we are is good enough. The other reason could be that we give up thinking that we can ever be better than we currently are. We become convinced that who we are is who we are meant to be and nothing more.

I certainly don’t know everyone, so I can’t say for sure that there aren’t some people out there that have it all together. Speaking for myself, however, I could write a grocery list of things that I need to work on. I think if we all look inside ourselves, we could identify something in our lives that needs to be refined or worked on. Whether the refinement needed is physical, mental or emotional, it is important to remember that no one is perfect. If we were, we wouldn’t need God.

In 1 Corinthians 3:7, it says, “So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater.

The sadder reality exists in people that feel like they have nothing more to give and no more growing left to do. Maybe these people believe that they have done things that have them headed down a path they are now destined to. Their “luck,” so to speak, has run out so there no longer exists a need to try to keep growing or striving for more. This belief is a lie, though. God has a plan and purpose for everyone, even if we can’t always see or accept that. Walking closely with God is one way to ensure that this growth continues.

Colossians 1:10 reads, “That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].”

There is definitely something to be said for being happy with who we are. Being comfortable inside your own skin is a great feeling. I have my moments of feeling completely happy with who I am, but am always impressed by people who seem to be consistently in this state. Even with being happy with who we are, however, doesn’t negate the need to keep growing and refining.  

In much the same way that it is said elderly people need to stay active after they retire in order to live the long lives they desire, it is important that we all continually grow in our spirits and as people. So the next time we pass construction workers slaving away on a project, let it serve as a reminder that there is much work left to be done on ourselves. Construction can be an inconvenience for sure, but the end result is always a sight to behold.