Lesson 111: You Are Not Your Own

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

Do you realize your potential? Do you know what you can be? Do you know where you are going? Each day is a new adventure, a new opportunity and a new challenge that we must face. We can either resolve to do our best and embrace life on life’s terms or be soured by thoughts that can ruin the dreams of youth. William Blake said, “Everything in life is holy, life delights in life.” Yet so many of us become so involved with our small little world that we can’t realize our potential and God’s plan for our happiness. My religion teaches me that I am not my own; I belong to a loving God that wishes me success. His goal is simple; to help you reach yours! By definition, a goal is the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective; a destination. The problem with most of us is that we do not believe to achieve. We do not have the faith in God’s plan for us to step out and follow Him.

This morning, as I awakened and started to get out of bed, I had confidence that my body would follow my mind’s commands. I had self-assurance that the floor would sustain my weight. I had faith in the chair that man built to hold my form without crashing to the ground. I did not have to pray that my voice would work or that my car would start. I had confidence that all the morning activities would take me to my destination. And by my actions through faith, I reached my goal. The strange thing is that I take it for granted every morning.

In I Corinthians 6:19-20, the Bible tells us, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” I do believe that we are bought through the blood of Christ and that we should therefore attempt to be a living vessel to be filled by His will in our lives. How do we get into the will of God? The answers lie within the confines of the Holy Bible. The Book of Books tells us that we must search through humbleness of heart, prayer, sacrifice, denying ourselves, faith and seeking His will in our lives. Simply put, you must remember in all things that you are a child of God. And as a child, know that you will have to be taught, disciplined and learn from your mistakes, as you find your destiny. It is out there. You mission is to seek, knock, ask and it will be revealed unto you. It may take a lifetime or it may come via a sudden life changing realization, but it is your destiny to realize that you are not your own, but God's. There is blessed assurance that you have a purpose and that you can change. Your lives are but a vapor. The date of your birth and the date of your death are insignificant in comparison to the dash that lies between those dates. What will be your legacy? What will be your reward? This day YOU can find your true calling simply by asking God to be the Master of your soul and guardian of your destiny. Face the challenges of life with a new friend and know that with Christ in your corner, all things are possible.

I remain your obedient servant, The Old General