Plumbing Sales???

As many of you know I am a salesman for a plumbing company. The majority of my day is filled with what we call windshield time...time in the car between sales calls. I spend a lot of time listening to preachers on the radio trying to better understand the word and one of my favorites is Dr. David Jeremiah (http://www.turningpointonline.org).

His sermon yesterday was on understanding our full potential and carrying that out. I know that God made us all with unique abilities and gifts, but it made me start to wander if I'm where I'm supposed to be. He used a verse from Philippians 3 that really popped out at me. Isn't it funny how you can read scripture and hear scripture and then someone, like Dr. Jeremiah puts it into a situation that really brings it to life.

The word is alive and I am constantly amazed at how God talks to us through it 2000 years later. That is a miracle in itself. I'm sure Dr. Jeremiah used the NASB translation, but I really like the Message translation. I'll list both for those who may not like the Message, but it describes exactly where I'm at. Let's first look at thew NASB:

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect , have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.
Phil 3:12-16 (NASB)

Most theologians say the NASB is probably the most accurate translation to English, but look at how Eugene Peterson put this into modern language. I don't want to start a debate on which one is right, I just like the simplicity of the Message translation. Look at the same verses, they have the same meaning, just said differently:

12 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. 13 Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. 14 I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. 15 So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! 16 Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
Phil 3:12-16 (MSG)

How comforting Paul must have been to the Philippians in his honesty. I'm sure it was just as encouraging back then as it is this morning. I say all this to share with you guys that I don't know if I'm reaching my full potential in Christ Jesus. I don't know if I was created to be a plumbing salesman. I know that there are plumbers out there that need a positive influence, and the the whole construction community has a bad rap for some harsh people. Maybe I'm right where I'm supposed to be, but I am seeking to better follow God daily. I struggle just like you, and like Paul said in vs 13 "Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus." Pray for me as I seek the potential that I was created to attain and that I will stay on track and that God will clear my sometimes blurred vision.

Have a Blessed Day!!!