So, I was in my room, catching up on some work and I needed something to watch (or to watch me). I head on over to HBOMax to see what’s good. As I scroll through the movies, I see one called The High Note. Now, it won because Tracy Ellis Ross is starring in it and I just love her. Anyhoo, it’s about Tracy and her assistant touring and all that jazz, so I push the “play” button.
There’s a scene where the assistant, Maggie, is on a walk with her best friend. Maggie is basically running down the list of reasons why she shouldn’t have her job. Her bestie replies, “Maggie, can you please want more for yourself?!” That mushed me right in the middle of my face (and you know what a mush is).
Do You Want More, or Are You Playing Small?
I won’t give you a full review, but I just wanted to tell you to “want more for yourself.” It is so necessary, you know, to want things for yourself. I have learned the importance of this first-hand.
I’ve spent so many years playing small, wanting so much more for others than I would even care to desire for my own life and success. Thankfully, I have learned that it is more beneficial for me and everyone involved if I allow myself the same well wishes that I offer them. See, nowadays, I have those friends that remind me to want more for “me”, even when I am doing for them. And you know what, I appreciate them for it.
What does this have to do with your spiritual life? Everything. If you don’t want more for you, then how can you take on the responsibilities and blessings that God has for you? In the past, my spending so much time focused on other people’s success, caused me to miss the mark on some things that I was called to do. No, I am not telling you to stop rooting for others, but I am telling you to definitely root for you as well.
So, What’s the Play Call?
I know that sometimes it’s easier to wave the banner for your friend’s success, but the plans God has for you may be bigger than what you are making room for. Here are a few things to remember as you learn to “want more for yourself”:
- Seek God for clarity of your calling. Sometimes, when you don’t really know where you fit or what you should be doing, it’s easier to just don’t. Ask God to help you line up with His Word over your life. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
- Trust God’s plans for your life. When you trust God completely, it will take less effort to want all that He has promised you. Sure, you want the promises of God, but that fear of the unknown can creep in and cause you to be unsure. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
- Tell Him what you want. So often, we may feel like what we want is too much to ask for (or is that just me?), so we keep it to ourselves and stand by as others move up the ladder of success. Many times, we have not because we won’t ask for it. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
- Allow God to purify your heart. When your heart is clean before the Lord, your desires change. Once those desires line up with God’s will, you will begin to see a change and reap the benefits. “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4
Sometimes, we just don’t realize that it isn’t selfish for us to want more for ourselves than we have or accept. Let God lead you, He wants the best for you.
