Yes, I know times are tough. I spoke at an event just outside of Washington DC last weekend and had a chance to talk to people who are wondering if there is any reason to be cheerful or optimistic.
As a Russian priest (1829 – 1908), Father John Sergiev first thought he wanted to be a monk in the remote areas of Siberia – but after a vision, he realized God wanted him to be a missionary right where he was – in the hustle and bustle of the big urban city of St. Petersburg. While most priests remained in the safe confines of their cathedrals, Father John would go out into the noisy, dirty, crime-ridden slums and back alleys of the city.
He would find someone down and out in the gutter, sleeping off the effects of the previous night’s drink and activities. Father John would cup his chin; look him in the eyes and say, “This is beneath your dignity. You were created to house the fullness of God.” Wherever he went, people found new hope and optimism because they discovered, or were reminded, of who they were. Seeing ourselves in the light of who God made us to be is both exciting and contagious.
So, are you housing the fullness of God today? If you are full of despair and hopelessness because of the current economic situation, I doubt there is room for much else. If you are angry and resentful because your stocks crashed or you lost your job, I suspect that is what people will first notice about you.
Can you remember what you were created for? When I hear people complain about how bad their lives are I’m going to start saying, “This is beneath your dignity. You were created to house the fullness of God.”
Dan Miller's Blog 
October 28, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Very insightful and powerful. I wholeheartedly agree and as a biblical health coach focusing on all aspects of our being – spirit, soul and body – is foundational. I believe we are all children of the King – it led to me writing my Christian children’s book, The King’s Daughter – I wanted my own daughter and every other little girl to know they are valuable and precious simply because they are daughters of the King! As always, a wonderful message – thank you.
October 29, 2008 at 12:23 am
Thank you for this message. I know that I try to live my life above as God intended, but sometimes life just gives you sucker punches. I get back up and head back into the fight (repeatedly), but it is exhausting. Sometimes I wonder why the Lord continues to allow me be where I am when HE knows how badly I want out…….I decided to start Grad School next week……it will take a year and a half…..I know it is the right decision, but I don’t want to tread water until I finish Grad school!!! I want to start doing what I want to do now!!!!! Yes, I need to be patient, however, what I do now is DRIVING ME CRAZY!!! I Loathe what I do….it just wears on me….when I have to do my job, I do it, but in my brain I am screaming…”I HATE THIS…PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME ANY MORE QUESTIONS, I REALLY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE PROBLEM…I DO NOT CARE HOW…..I HATE THIS…….I DO NOT CARE!!!” I listen to christian music to try and boost my mood…..I try to relax and read more about what I really want to do at night only to feel so tired that I can barely get through the page. Okay, so I have taken this comment opportunity to far….my apologies. Sometimes I just feel like….it is just so hard…..
October 29, 2008 at 5:10 am
Wow! This is a powerful story & idea; it gave me chills when I read it and I can’t wait to share it with others! It made me think of one of our powerful themes we use in our church “I am a child of God”. When you truly look at yourself that way, how can you help but want to be better and realize the potential inside of you!
October 29, 2008 at 6:30 am
Housing the fullness of God does not house the body.
October 29, 2008 at 7:19 am
Very powerful indeed, just the words that we need at a time such as this.But the point raised in this article reach way beyond the general situation and for me address some personal challenges I have been facing.Helping me overcome and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Liberating truth!!!
October 29, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Someone I admire agrees with you:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our own light, not our darkness that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
– Nelson Mandela
1994 Inaugural Speech
November 10, 2008 at 12:41 pm
[…] Master is speaking to you from the midst of the burning laptop. This is an excerpt from a post on Dan Millers blog-he’s a self help guru with a strong faith in Christ. Enjoy and do check out his blog. […]