27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28Saying, Did not we straightly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts 5: 27-32, KJV
There is a derogatory phrase that is sometimes used to describe people who appear to push themselves forward. These people are often referred to as, “Wanna-be’s.” The perception is that such individuals will stop at nothing to get what they want for themselves and where they want to go no matter what. Possibly, they have observed others who have attained a particular level of status or obtained some level of power and influence that affords them notoriety and maybe even prosperity. Therefore, the “wanna-be” individual looks to that person as someone they “want to be” like.
Clearly, the Word of God speaks against foolish pride, arrogance, greed, maliciousness, envy and covetousness (read James 3:13-18) – all characteristics that may be found in the above-described individual. However, not all “wanna-be’s” fit those descriptors.
Some individuals travel to the beat of a different drum. They hear a call to go higher, to press harder, to reach farther, to stand longer, to reject notions that they should stop upsetting the apple cart, so to speak…God having given them a certain resiliency that resists and defies the boxes that less insightful individuals have crafted for them.
In some sense, they too are “wanna-be’s.” Their desire to “want to be” something greater than what they currently are (or the examples they see around them) drives their actions. They hear God telling them to go farther.
Below are some reasons to be that kind of “wanna-be…”
1. Wanna be like Jesus…
2. Wanna be fruitful…
3. Wanna be all that you can be to the glory of God…
4. Wanna break down some walls that divide and oppress…
5. Wanna leave a positive legacy…
6. Wanna help make a difference in your sphere of influence…
7. Wanna challenge and possibly change dysfunctional systems…
8. Wanna do all you can while you can…
9. Wanna be an example of courage…
10. Wanna please the Lord despite the displeasure of man…
Yes, it’s ok to be a “wanna-be!” At the end of your journey, “may the work you’ve done, speak for you,” louder than those who just couldn’t understand your marching orders.
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
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