“The tragedy of a man’s life is what dies inside of him while he lives.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

I have heard it said that some people’s grave stone should read “Died at 30, buried at 85.” The richest places on earth are not companies, oil fields, banks, or diamond mines, they are graveyards. What could have been is buried 6 feet deep in the ground. Potential unrealized and undeveloped is wasted in many coffins. But the most untapped potential rests within those who are alive, but do not know the power they posses. They are living trapped in fear, confusion, and hopelessness. But we weren’t created to live without life. We were created in the image of God Almighty who has called us to greatness. We have been drawn from the darkness into His marvelous light in Christ.

We have to stop walking around in defeat and despair. Too many people focused on what they don’t have and therefore are wasting what they do have. They are so caught up in the minor things of life, they have forgotten to go after the major things. We get so bogged down with bills, schedules, busyness, and surviving that we lose our way. We have to refocus our attention on the eternal…the things that really matter.

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

When our mind is on heavenly things we focus on what we can do, not what we can’t do. We are super charged with power from on high. However, when we focus on earthly things we can easily become discouraged and disillusioned. So what are the heavenly things we should focus on?

1. Eternity

Remember, this life will pass away one day, the only thing that will remain is our relationship with God and the things we have done for His Kingdom. As important as it is to live a good life, have a good job, take care of our things, and enjoy life, never forget what really matters. God’s Kingdom is what remains forever. All our money, possessions, jobs, houses, electronics, and decor will one day mean NOTHING! What will matter is what we did to make an impact in others. Keep the main thing…the main thing.

2. Legacy

When our life ends our legacy is what will live on. The good news is that we get to choose what our legacy will be…if we do so. We don’t have to leave it up to chance, we can write our legacy by the life we live now. Legacy will last much longer than we will. And not just legacy that is associated with us, but legacy that impacts others as they impact others. We may never know the seeds we are planting that will one day sprout a great harvest for someone else. Focus on the potential of your legacy and the difference you’ll make in others.

3. Our Gifts

Use what you’ve got and you’ll get more. Don’t use what you’ve got and you won’t get more. A simple truth for a complex paradox. Stop talking and walking around like you have nothing to offer. You have been endowed with seeds of greatness within you. You have been given gifts and talents to use for the greater good. Take what you have and develop it. Take your ideas and God-given purpose and start to live it out today. Don’t die on the inside and give up hope. You are reading this because God directed you here to know that you aren’t done, and you certainly aren’t empty. You are full of special gifts that only you possess and the world needs them. Don’t tell yourself you have nothing to offer…you do!