So you want to design a life, not just make a living? You want to experience the sensation of victory, or spiritual power? You want to build something, not just take up space on the planet? You want to say you’ve run your race, won your prize, fulfilled your calling or purpose?
If that doesn’t describe you, don’t waste your time reading any further. Go back to the Food Network or CNN or something.
But if that does describe you, and you believe you were put on this earth to do more than recycle gases and other organic stuff, read on.
In any meaningful endeavor, but particularly in one that involves the fulfillment of a spiritual vision, people (and leaders in particular) are faced with three inescapable questions.
1. Do your actions demonstrate a commitment to that which is most important?
2. Will you continue to move forward, even when surrounded by a hostile or apathetic majority?
3. Where will you look for the internal power to finish the job?
When Zerubbabel, the quiet temple builder in the Bible, “ran out of gas” in his building project, God sent two friends – prophets – to encourage him. And those are the issues they confronted.
Priorities
Haggai addressed what matters most when he said, “Is it time for you yourselves to live in paneled houses while this house lies desolate?” (Haggai 1:3). We are consistently and inevitably challenged to decide what matters most, and how we will live accordingly. And make no mistake about it – how you live reveals what matters most.
Minority Status
Zechariah, on the other hand, reminded the governor that he would never get his work done by “might” (group strength) or “power” (individual strength). How will you respond to situations in which you or your group is outnumbered, outgunned, or potentially overpowered? Reminder: God’s work has never depended on a majority – only a faithful remnant. There is such a thing as critical mass, but it seldom depends on mass popularity or mass appeal.
Internal Power
There is little question that in laying the foundation and then confronting the hostility of his neighbors, Zerubbabel’s strength was waning. Simply put, he was spiritually and emotionally spent. You will be, too, if you dare to dream of any possibility that gets you off the bench and into the game. Zechariah’s message to him was that his solution wasn’t found in personal strength or power. It was found in the Spirit of the Lord. If all you can do is only what you can do, know this: all you can do will never be enough.
