Maximizing Your Potential

contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you. ..that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:16-23). Since the violation of law destroys potential, and obedience to law fulfills potential, law encourages the releasing and the maximizing of potential. Law encourages the releasing and the maximizing of potential. Benefit-Law Secures Purpose and Function Finally, law allows us to function within God’s general design for human life, and the plans and purposes He sets for our individual lives. The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and He adds no trouble to it (Proverbs 10:22). Achieving purpose with God’s blessing never brings sorrow. Those, however, who try to fulfill their potential outside His purposes often experience multiplied sorrow. A businessman, for example, who builds his business without God’s guidance and direction may attain the same wealth as a man who submitted his dreams and plans to God’s will, but his position outside God’s plan does not provide the freedom from worry that the other businessman enjoys. Those who must rely only on themselves to protect their gain often become ill from worrying. There is no joy in that kind of wealth. When the Lord blesses a person with prosperity, He both protects what He has given and He serves as a resource to the recipient. Man needs spiritual resources as surely as he needs physical and material assets. Your Potential Needs the Benefit of God’s Law Potential without law is dangerous. Even as breaker switches cut off electricity when an electrical appliance malfunctions and a free flow of electricity is possible, so God shuts us down when we operate outside His laws. This is His safeguard to keep us from self-destructing. Potential without law is dangerous. Many people throughout history have harmed themselves and others because they tried to fulfill their potential outside God’s specifications. Adolf Hitler, for example, was a gifted leader. Using his leadership skills, he came up through the ranks of government until he was legally elected the chancellor of Germany.