Okay, now for the flip side of the coin. While I feel that we must be in Earnest about deepening our relationship with Jesus. And while I feel that we must be willing to do anything, sparing no cost to serve our Lord and Maker. And while I feel like there’s a cross, (a price tag) involved in serving Him. I do not feel that God means for us to be sour, pessimistic or downtrodden people.

Many of you know that I wrote the book Positive x Positive Equals Unlimited. Maybe you have not read it. If not, It is still available on Amazon.

But I mention the book to remind you, that it’s major theme is that we can radically and positively influence our lives in a healthy, wholesome fashion. That we can experience Greater Heights of achievement and excellence, than what we have thus far experienced. This sounds like a far different message than I mentioned above. But it’s not.

I have found that the constructive, sound, most solid and truest facts in life are always a matter of balance. We must go through the sacrificial life of the Cross, to experience the dynamic spiritual union of the Resurrection.

But some people get stuck on the sacrifice. We go through seasons of pain, suffering and hurt and begin to think that that’s all life is. But Jesus said that he had come to give us life and life more abundantly. God means for us to be able to see through and past our problems, into our possibilities. The late Dr. Robert Schuller called this “possibility thinking.”

So a healthy life balance is like a coin. It has two sides. There is a side that requires sacrifice, service And humble contrition. And there is a sign that requires that we be striving to be our highest and best.

We should be willing to sacrifice, give and be a servant of God and mankind. And also be willing to be the best version of us that we can possibly be: at home, at work and in all we do. God wants this balance in our lives.

So the truth is; We need to do both: Be willing to do His will instead of Our Own. And: Be willing to grow and develop into the best versions of ourselves. Like we want our children to succeed, grow and Thrive. God wants us, as his children, to do and be our very best for His Namesake.

So if you’re suffering. Please remember that it is most likely just for a season. And that God will take you beyond this point of pain & sacrifice.

And if you’re at the top of the mountain, just remember that it’s your duty to achieve your very best and still gladly lay your crown of achievement at the feet of Jesus. Knowing that there is nothing good you accomplished, without His benevolence and help!