- We see God as useful to us (fixer and sprinkling blessings), rather than Lord over us and wholy transforming
- Filter all aspects of life, in good and bad, through eternal perspective
- You already know the ending.
- Christ is the ship, not the lifeboat
- Don’t get distracted by your own plans, own ideas, or “something better”
- The “next best thing” tends to be our idea, not God’s
- Seek comfort and love in him, not through other people or our own interests.
- When God completes you, you don’t need to try and draw encouragement from relationships and work, freeing you instead to give it
- When serving others, don’t focus on the fact that you’re needed or appreciated. The more you serve, the more its expected and known that it’s “what you do”. Don’t get discouraged when the praise stops. Causes bitterness and longing for more appreciation/credit
- Can’t trust your feelings
- Approval can inspire and fulfill, but not support
- Our ingrained independence and self sufficient makebit hard to listen and trust
- Confidence, creativity, experience, and work ethic are great, but feed into self sufficiency. Don’t depend on them. They can deliver more thirst.
- Talent is everywhere. Heart and humility are rare.
- Rely on the giver, not the gift. A talent is a means to an end, not the end itself.
- We use our talents determine what we do. Instead, follow his lead to determine what to do to glorify him.
- Talent is a tool. Career/hobbies/achievements are what you do. Child of God is who you are.
- Hole of entitlement: Jesus is life enhancement, not Lord of all. God wants us to be his, not just to come when we want something. He’s not a life butler