For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 (ESV)
We’ve been on a series covering skills that believers need to develop to have joy and fulfilment in their lives. Another important skill to build is the ability to lead with your strengths.
When you make daily choices to do things that have nothing to do with your strengths, it’s hard to sense the joy that’s within you. For example, I would be really dissatisfied with my career if I was dead-set on becoming a jockey. I’m about six feet tall, so there’s no way I could win against much smaller and lighter competitors. If I spend every moment trying to become something I’m just not built for, I’m going to be miserable. I need to lead with my strengths.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to people who have focused their entire life on doing what they just aren’t good at. Why do what you really struggle to do when God has placed so many natural tendencies within you? If you were to develop these, you’d be much further ahead!
Now, don’t get me wrong. We all have to do things we’re not great at. If you’re not the best at organization, you still need to keep your house clean. However, you may not want to go into a career that requires a high level of skill in organization. You’ll hate it! If money management isn’t your strength, you will still need to learn to balance your budget; however, you may not want to become an accountant.
Is your life built around your strengths? You will have the greatest impact and experience the most joy if you develop the strengths God has placed within you.