Highest and Best Use

In real estate development, the term "highest and best use" is a common term. It refers to utilizing a property for its highest and best use in order to bring the greatest economic return of the property to its owner.

Jesus illustrates in the Story of the "Talents" that our heavenly Father strongly desires that we live our lives in a manner that brings out our "highest and best use". If we have abilities and capacities, we shouldn't let them be buried or unused.

Have you considered what your "highest and best use" is in the Kingdom? Is there anything hindering you from allowing Him to use the unique abilities He's given you?

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (I Peter 4:10 NIV)

Responding vs. Reacting

Responding appropriately in our speech is a sign of maturity. However the easy path is to react. Responding takes into account what is appropriate to say in the particular situation. Responding is sensitive and discerning to where the other person is coming from. When we learn to respond well, relationships are strengthened, enriched and valued.

Reacting, on the other hand, does not weigh the consequences of the words being shared and focuses on the release of emotion at the expense of the other person. When we react, relationships are hurt, fractured and create fear.

"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." (Colossians 4:6)

What helps you "respond" well vs. "reacting" in your relationships?

"...life is not a possession to be defended, but a gift to be shared." Nouwen

"Pain is only felt where there is life" - Fenelon

Perspective

May we strive always to love people and use things...not use people and love things.

The Present is a Present

The "Present" is a gift that can only be opened in the present. Some people seem prone to "re-live" their past in the present. My tendency is to try and live out the future in the present. May we learn from the past, listen to the future but live fully in the present.

Not Our Failures That Fail Us...

It's not our failures that fail us in being used by God...rather it's our failure to believe that God is greater than our failures. When we focus on our failures we flounder in feelings of self rejection and we believe we are disqualified from His usefulness. Rather, when we fail, we should acknowledge it and appropriately grieve the impact of our actions. Our failures only fail us if we stay on the sidelines and don't get up.

"...the righteous falls seven times and rises again." (Prov 24:16 ESV)