Jesus talked about the principle of potential when He talked about his own life in John 12:23-24: “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” A kernel of wheat that is not planted can be eaten: ground up and made into something delicious to eat, but when planted it multiplies; it yields more kernels of wheat. Within Jesus was the potential to bring the grace of God to all of mankind. Had he not been willing to offer his life as a sacrifice on the cross, which is to be planted in the soil of God’s purpose for Him, his life would have been wasted. That one act of faithfulness gave life to many.
It’s All Part Of God’s Plan For You
Many people live their entire lives just getting by, never realizing their potential. They not only hurt their family and loved ones by not living the life that they could, they hurt you and me as well. Because each person alone can fulfill the potential, the purpose and the destiny that God has for them. It is a part of God’s plan that each of us will make this world a better place.
What If You Don’t Fulfill Your Potential?
Some my favorite words of the apostle Paul are penned toward the end of his life in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”
Imagine if Paul had not fought the good fight. Imagine that He had not lived out the potential the God created him to live. How would our lives be different today? See, it’s one thing to imagine Jesus not living his potential, not going to the cross, not bringing grace and forgiveness to all of mankind. We would say “but He’s Jesus, He’s the son of God, He has to fulfill His destiny.” True and he did so willingly and by choice. If you think Jesus had imagined His fate because his divine will, I understand. But you cannot say the same of Paul; he was as mortal as any of us. Yet, he declared “he finished the race”, in other words, he lived his potential.
It’s A Wonderful Life
I love the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” where George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, gets the privilege of seeing what the world would be like had he never been born. It’s an amazing story as he sees the positive difference he made in those around him and in his entire community. Unfortunately, we will never have the privilege that George Bailey has in the movie. We can, however, look at those who have gone before us like Jesus and Paul and consider what life would be like had they never lived out their God-given potential. Perhaps in so doing, we can be encouraged to know that we will make a difference in this world as we choose to live out our potential. The reality of fulfilling your God-given purpose, your God-given destiny is a matter of choice that only you can make, but that He gives you the power to do. Lean on His power. Lest you forget, His purpose and plan for you is good, it is perfect, it is pleasing. His purpose, the potential that He has placed within you is to live life as His masterpiece! And as you do, it changes everything for all of us; you need to live your potential!