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Weekly Devotions

Your Best Version-February 24, 2020

What is the best version of yourself? Let's find out in today's devotion.

Monday Morning Devotion-February 24, 2020

 

Your Best Version

 

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do His will.  And I know that I will not be put to shame.    Isaiah. 50:7

 

            As I sit down to write this weekly devotion, I have no idea where it is going.  It's the

day before my birthday and I have questions.  Always do. 

            First of all, I give thanks to the Lord that I am around for another birthday.  I feel more blessed with each passing birthday celebration.  Then there is always the tendency to look back and remember birthdays past. And in doing so the question arises.  "Am I the best version of myself as I celebrate another birthday?"

            That's a common question we all ask ourselves on our birthday, right?  Heck no!  Are you crazy Jim.  Nobody wakes up on their birthday with the burning question on their mind°" Am I the best version of myself right now?  How can I get better?"

            OK before we get too far afield, i.e. ridiculous with this, let's break it down.  What is a version?  A version is: "a story or description that is different in some way from another person's story or description; a form of something (such as a product) that is different in some way from other forms; a particular translation of the Bible."

            Let's take the last part of that first.  We all know there are many different versions of the Bible, i. e.  King James Version, New International Version, Life Application Version, ad infinitum.  But, they all have basically the same purpose.  That is to share God's Word with everyone.

            Our version of our self is different from any other person's version.  Their story or description is different from ours.  In forming the best version of ourselves we may look at another person's version of him or herself and model our version, or at least part of it, on their version.  Upon closer inspection we may discover that while there may be many admirable traits and actions of this, uh°model, there are also some things we don't want to incorporate into our personal version. Still, there are some good things we can use.

            Reading about this concept:  being the best version of yourself I encountered an overwhelming number of internet pieces on the subject.  Some helpful.  Some not.

Marketing Consultant Robert Hawthorne (www.roberthawthorne.com) made some good points worth sharing.

            First of all, Hawthorne pointed out: "Throughout life, we are constantly inventing and reinventing ourselves.  And if you look back, there's probably some versions of you that you like more than others.

            The majority of the time, when we set out to change something about ourselves, it's because we're not happy in a particular area.  It could be with health, relationships, financial, spiritual, actions, or something else."

            So when we set out to analyze and change something, like on our birthday perhaps, we start creating a new version of ourselves but the old version doesn't completely disappear.  It's lingering in the back of our minds ready to strike at a moment's notice.

            For example, I went to the doctor for a checkup recently.  Everything checked out great.

He said my EKG was "perfect."  No problem with blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, all were great.  Got ready to leave feeling just a wee bit short of euphoric.  Then, they said the last thing needed was to go get some lab work, i.e. blood work, checked out.

            OK, so I did and they came back with a few recommendations.  Like don't eat anything you like.  No chocolate, no potatoes, no cakes or cookies, no cokes, no fruit juices, keep the salt to a minimum.  What's left.  Well, lots of stuff.  Just not the things I like.

            So, I set about creating a new version of myself, at least until these things get under control, then, hopefully return to some in moderation.

            While this new version of myself is under construction, the old one is there in the form of temptations to indulge.  Can't say I necessarily like this new version better, but I am proud of the way I was able to build it. 

            Whether we really think about it in those terms specifically this constant reinventing of ourselves is ongoing.  Which version will win out at any time is up to you?  Hawthorne gives some tips to help:

            1) Define Your Current Self: Just take an honest look at who you are today and who you want to be tomorrow.  Inventory all aspects of your life and be honest about where you can improve.

            2) Define Areas You Want to Improve:  Think about what the highest version of yourself will look, act and feel like in every area of your life.

            3) Listen to Yourself:  Learn to really listen to your inner voice and what it is saying; situations, successes, failures, and beliefs.

            4) Fight Yourself:  If you want to change then the old version is going to come out swinging at you like Mike Tyson.  Put on your gloves and fight back. Tell your old self:

'That's not who I am anymore.'

            5) Stay Present and Pay Attention Consistently:  Change ain't easy. Check yourself constantly and ask if you are living with the highest version of yourself.

            6) Stay Focused on that Highest Version of Yourself:  There will be many previous versions of yourself running through your mind. It takes work DAILY to remind your new self of who you are .

            7) Constant Correction and Consistent Actions: You'll slip a few times in the beginning. Maybe a dozen or even a hundred times.  You're not perfect.  Don't beat yourself up. Return to the new you with determination and appreciation for what you have and can accomplish.

            The New You is just around the corner.  Pray about it.  Consult with the Holy Spirit daily. Then invite that best version of yourself to take up residence.

 

Prayer:  Lord help us in our daily battles to be the best version of ourselves.  We need your strength, wisdom and encouragement.   Amen!

 

 

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