I can do it by myself...

I've heard those words so many times they ring in my ears now... 

I'll try and help my children tie their shoes, swing a bat, put a puzzle together, 

zip their jacket, buckle the seatbelt... you name it... I've heard the reply -

"I CAN DO IT MYSELF".

And I let them try, it's the only way they will learn. But there are so many things they are not ready to attempt yet.  But they think they are able to do it... by themselves.

I wonder where they get it?

Oh... I know... ME

I know I've done this a million times in my life, my marriage and my ministry... I'm good enough, talented enough, gifted enough (which actually means it's not me) ... to do it BY MYSELF.

And usually i can... to some degree.  Oh it'll get done - but is that really the way it was intended to look in the end, was that really how it was going to turn out, was that the maximum impact?

And today... here is what smacked me in the face this morning...

Colossians 1:28-29

"So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us.  We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.  That's why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ's mighty power that works within me."

Ok... so did you catch it?  Here is our life's goal summed up as Christ followers...I want to reach other people for Christ.  YES SIR.  Who wouldn't agree with that.  And we want them to become mature followers of Christ.. YEP.. That is why I work and struggle hard... YEP here all night, late hours, sacrifice... cause I have to get it done... i have to do it... I have to make it happen.

and we leave it there... or I do many times.  But the verse doesn't stop there in fact the most important line is next... DEPENDING ON... oops left that out... It's not me, I have to depend on, lean on, trust in someone else.  Yes I have to work hard and do my part... but there is something bigger happening here.   "depending on Christ's mighty power" - cause last time I checked he's more powerful than me.  

Now here is what is really cool... that power is at work within ME.

So don't do it BY YOURSELF... you'll have to work way harder, way longer, with less results than if we were just to depend on DAD to help out.

Scott