A Norvell Note
February 27, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 09
Not Too Seriously
According to the Enneagram, my personality type is an improver (some call it perfectionist). As an improver, I believe there is a right way to do things and a wrong way. Since I discovered this about myself, I have tried to be aware of these tendencies, and I think I have improved on trying to make everyone do things my way instead of the wrong way.
However, there’s much work when it comes to me. I am very aware of my mistakes and failures. And daily, I ask what I can do to live better, be better, treat people better, and be a better follower of Jesus. Admittedly it can be wearisome, but I am learning that it is okay for others to see and do things differently.
One practice that is helping me is reading this passage often. I’m sharing it here from TheMessage because of the simple and plain language and because it reminds me that although I can continually improve on how I practice it, I really cannot improve on what God wants me to do. So when I read it, God says, “Tom, relax. You know what to do. Just do it.”
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously. (Micah 6:8, The Message)
After reading it multiple times, I always sense Him pausing before the last two lines and saying, “Tom, don’t take yourself too seriously—take Me seriously. Yes, life is serious, but you’ve got this.”
Maybe you need to read those words too. Perhaps you take yourself too seriously and think it is your responsibility to keep the world spinning. Or perhaps you don’t take yourself or God seriously enough. Maybe you should hear the Lord say, “Don’t take yourself too seriously—take Me seriously. Be fair and just with your neighbor be compassionate and loyal in your love. You’ve got this.”
Tom
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