The Next Level
How do you know if you do better?
Sometimes I think, now I've got it. Now I have finally figured it out, and I'm good. I can accomplish what I set out to do without obstacles.
But what if I was just one step short of really getting it and I didn't know?
Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately. - Acts 18:24-26
In today's reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Apollos gets it. He is enthusiastic and filled with the Spirit. He has no way of knowing what he doesn't know and he isn't looking for it.
So, how do we know if we need to take things to the next level or even if there is a next level?
Some people have an impatience built into their nature. They keep striving for more, for a better life, a more rewarding job, a deeper relationship, a more meaningful existence. The rest of us find what makes us happy and we stop looking. Is that wrong?
Imagine what it must have felt like for Apollos? Suddenly, what he had been so enthusiastic about was made even better, deeper, richer.
But there can be a downside to wanting more. We can miss out on the joy and wonder of a wonderful life, thinking something better is just around the corner.
I prefer to be like Apollos, content, excited and fully alive, enjoying the great things and beauty around me, not thinking I need to look for more. Then, when someone comes up to me and shows me even greater glory, I can explode with joy and rise triumphantly to the next level, appreciating the journey and thanking God for the gift of discovery.
Yep, that's my take on it. Stop looking and live.
More to come...
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