Not The Boss Of UsSample

### Day Two ### Who God Created You to Be ### Scripture: Psalm 139 Performance pressures are a part of life. Forms are necessary. As are résumés. As are applications and business cards. What becomes overwhelming is when we define ourselves by such things—when we define ourselves according to the boxes we have checked (or have not checked) and how our checks compare to those of others. Rather than be overwhelmed by performance pressures, we can instead be overwhelmed by purpose and unique giftedness. We all come out of the womb with a natural giftedness created to bless those with whom we share life. But we often let thoughts of less-than stifle the use of our gifts. Or we long for a talent or gifting du jour—whatever might be in vogue at the moment. Some phases of life lead us to question the existence of said giftedness. It’s so easy to see it in other people, especially those who tend to be the ones seen. In the midst of day-to-day mundane life, the big picture can get a bit blurry. As a result, we get lost in performance pressures rather than hone the skills unique to who we are. Because each of us is a person with originality, with giftedness, and with potential. Unique, worthwhile, beneficial, life-enhancing giftedness lies within each and every one of us—as personal and individual as a fingerprint. And with this giftedness, we can tap in to our own unique purpose. Purpose, at its core, is the common strand that ties gifting together. Purpose is the soul of giftedness, spurring giftedness’s use for the good of more than simply ourselves. Purpose grounds. It gives reason. And it taps into that loving-others aspect of life—a reflection of God’s kindness. Our unique purpose begins to deflate society’s pressure-laden burdens to be someone, to be seen, and to be the best as it quietly, steadfastly steers us away from performing toward resting in who we were created to be. But where do we place our identity? Do we believe that every day when we wake up we have to hustle and perform to prove our worth? Or do we believe that our worth and value on this planet have already been decided and therefore we get to embrace purpose—which still involves action—over performing. We are going to believe something. Why not Truth? Why does what we believe about ourselves change how we treat others?