God Wants You to Flourish!

God gave Adam and Eve this command, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). For this to happen, Adam and Eve needed to move beyond the status quo. They needed to flourish. The word flourish means to thrive and prosper. It means to reach one’s full potential as a human being. God has the same desires for us today. He doesn’t want us to languish in idleness but make a concerted effort to be the most we can. Are we doing that?

Reaching one’s full potential looks different for different people. For many, holding a job, providing for one’s family, and giving to the local church will fulfill God’s plans. Others will need to occupy roles of leadership where they may guide God’s people forward into the future. Regardless of one’s position, he will need to levy an appropriate amount of ambition. It is not enough to sit still, rest on one’s laurels, and maintain the status quo. There must be an effort to push upward and onward with God’s purposes. The apostle Paul wrote, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

We need ambition in spirituality! One’s desire to flourish in pursuit of his own personal desires should be multiplied in spiritual matters. William P. Merrill wrote, “Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things. Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of kings.” We need Christians to come forward and lead the church today. Let’s not wallow around waiting for others to step up but fill the void ourselves.

God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley