Embracing Change: Discovering and Utilizing Our Strengths

 

Summary

Change is an inevitable part of life, and today marks the beginning of a transformative journey. As we navigate through our daily lives, we are constantly evolving, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The key is to embrace this change with purpose and direction. Today, I want to focus on discovering our signature strengths, those unique qualities that God has instilled in each of us. We are offering a survey from the VIA Institute, which stands for Values in Action, to help identify these strengths. This tool is not just about personal growth but about understanding how our faith in God can guide us in this journey.

I shared a touching story about Veronica, who found profound encouragement from her young son during a challenging bike ride. His quiet whispers of "Go Mommy go" served as a powerful reminder of the impact of encouragement. This story parallels the life of Barnabas from the New Testament, known as the "son of encouragement." Barnabas exemplified the power of uplifting others, whether it was supporting Paul during his conversion or standing by John Mark when others doubted him. His life teaches us that encouragement is not about seeking the spotlight but about being a quiet force of support and belief in others.

The survey we are offering will help you identify your signature strengths, much like encouragement was for Barnabas. These strengths are deeply embedded in our identity and can be a source of joy and fulfillment when used effectively. Positive psychology suggests that finding new ways to use these strengths daily can lead to significant character growth. As we embark on this journey, let's focus on enhancing our strengths, which in turn will uplift all aspects of our character, including our weaknesses.

Every choice we make today shapes who we are becoming. Let's strive to become the best version of ourselves, guided by our faith and the presence of Jesus in our lives. Change starts today, and with God's help, we can transform into beings that reflect His love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Change is constant and inevitable, but embracing it with purpose can lead to personal growth and transformation. By focusing on our signature strengths, we can navigate change with intention and direction. [00:37]

2. Encouragement is a powerful tool that can create lasting impacts in the lives of others. Like Barnabas, we can be quiet cheerleaders, supporting and uplifting those around us without seeking recognition. [03:07]

3. Discovering and utilizing our signature strengths can lead to joy and fulfillment. These strengths are deeply embedded in our identity and can be a source of invigoration and growth when used effectively. [08:20]

4. Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of finding new ways to use our strengths daily. This practice not only enhances our strengths but also uplifts all aspects of our character, including our weaknesses. [09:35]

5. Every choice we make shapes who we are becoming. By focusing on our strengths and seeking God's guidance, we can transform into beings that reflect His love and grace. [10:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Embracing Change
[00:49] - Discovering Signature Strengths
[01:05] - VIA Survey Introduction
[01:19] - Faith and Growth
[01:37] - Veronica's Story
[02:29] - The Power of Encouragement
[03:07] - Quiet Support
[03:51] - Barnabas: Son of Encouragement
[05:05] - Barnabas and Paul
[06:05] - Disagreement and Growth
[06:46] - Taking the Survey
[07:40] - Identifying Strengths
[08:20] - Utilizing Strengths
[09:35] - Character Growth
[10:03] - Choices and Transformation
[10:18] - Conclusion: Change Starts Today

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 4:36-37 - "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means 'son of encouragement'), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet."
2. Acts 9:26-27 - "When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus."
3. Acts 15:36-39 - "Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.' Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus."

Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Barnabas take that earned him the name "son of encouragement"? (Acts 4:36-37)
2. How did Barnabas support Paul during his early days as a believer? (Acts 9:26-27)
3. What was the nature of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, and what decision did Barnabas make as a result? (Acts 15:36-39)
4. In the sermon, how did Veronica's son's encouragement parallel Barnabas's actions? [02:39]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Barnabas's willingness to sell his field and give the money to the apostles reveal about his character and priorities? (Acts 4:36-37)
2. How might Barnabas's support have influenced Paul's ministry and the early church? (Acts 9:26-27)
3. What can we learn from Barnabas's decision to support John Mark despite Paul's objections? (Acts 15:36-39)
4. How does the story of Veronica and her son illustrate the impact of quiet encouragement in our daily lives? [03:35]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when someone quietly encouraged you. How did it impact your life, and how can you be that source of encouragement for someone else? [03:35]
2. Identify your own "signature strengths" as mentioned in the sermon. How can you use these strengths to support and uplift others in your community? [07:55]
3. Barnabas was willing to stand by John Mark despite past failures. Is there someone in your life who needs a second chance, and how can you support them? (Acts 15:36-39)
4. The sermon emphasized the inevitability of change. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to embrace change, and what steps can you take to move forward with purpose? [00:37]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of daily encouragement into your routine, and what impact do you hope it will have on those around you? [08:20]
6. Consider the role of faith in your personal growth journey. How can you rely more on God's guidance as you seek to develop your strengths and character? [01:19]
7. What specific action can you take this week to reflect God's love and grace in your interactions with others, as encouraged by the sermon? [10:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Change with Purpose
Change is an inevitable part of life, and it often comes whether we are ready for it or not. However, when we choose to embrace change with purpose, it can lead to profound personal growth and transformation. By focusing on our signature strengths, those unique qualities that God has instilled in us, we can navigate change with intention and direction. This approach allows us to align our actions with our values, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Embracing change is not about passively accepting whatever comes our way, but about actively engaging with the process and seeking God's guidance to become the best version of ourselves. [00:37]

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently experiencing change? How can you intentionally embrace this change with purpose and seek God's guidance in the process?


Day 2: The Quiet Power of Encouragement
Encouragement is a powerful tool that can create lasting impacts in the lives of others. Like Barnabas, known as the "son of encouragement," we can be quiet cheerleaders, supporting and uplifting those around us without seeking recognition. Encouragement is not about being in the spotlight but about being a steady and quiet force of support and belief in others. It is about recognizing the potential in others and helping them see it in themselves. By offering encouragement, we can help others overcome challenges and grow in their faith and character. [03:07]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life could use a word of encouragement today? How can you be a quiet source of support and belief for them without seeking recognition?


Day 3: Discovering and Utilizing Signature Strengths
Discovering and utilizing our signature strengths can lead to joy and fulfillment. These strengths are deeply embedded in our identity and can be a source of invigoration and growth when used effectively. Positive psychology suggests that finding new ways to use these strengths daily can lead to significant character growth. By focusing on our strengths, we can enhance all aspects of our character, including our weaknesses. This practice not only brings us joy but also allows us to contribute positively to the lives of others and reflect God's love and grace. [08:20]

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching." (Romans 12:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one of your signature strengths that you can use today to bring joy and fulfillment to yourself and others? How can you find new ways to utilize this strength in your daily life?


Day 4: Enhancing Character Through Strengths
Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of finding new ways to use our strengths daily. This practice not only enhances our strengths but also uplifts all aspects of our character, including our weaknesses. By focusing on our strengths, we can experience significant character growth and become more well-rounded individuals. This approach allows us to build on our strengths while also addressing our weaknesses, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. By seeking God's guidance, we can use our strengths to reflect His love and grace in all that we do. [09:35]

"Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you." (1 Timothy 4:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate your strengths into your daily routine to enhance your character and address your weaknesses? What specific actions can you take today to begin this process?


Day 5: Choices and Transformation
Every choice we make shapes who we are becoming. By focusing on our strengths and seeking God's guidance, we can transform into beings that reflect His love and grace. Change starts today, and with God's help, we can become the best version of ourselves. This transformation is not about perfection but about progress and growth. By making intentional choices that align with our values and strengths, we can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in our lives. [10:03]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one choice you can make today that aligns with your strengths and values? How can this choice contribute to your transformation into the person God created you to be?

Quotes



"change starts today my friend Ron Johnson said that and I love how that phrase sums up what we're doing today you're going to change for better for worse on purpose or by accident a lot or a little by the time you get to the end of this day you will have one day's worth of change behind you and you will never get this day back so let's get after it because change starts today" [00:00:25]

"so I want to start today by telling you a wonderful moment in the life of a friend of mine she actually her name is Veronica and she's a colleague of Nancy's and she sent this out to a whole group of us mostly folks that are pastors but this is really for everybody and as you think about um how has God wired you up how is God calling you to change and calling other people to change you might like this" [00:01:27]

"last Saturday Veronica said I loaded my almost three-year-old into the front of my mountain bike took him to some of our favorite Trails above UC Santa Cruz it's one of my favorite things to do with him not just because I love the Redwoods and anytime spent in them is actually the best thing ever but because there is nothing else I can do while we ride but listen and chat with him about whatever might pop into his head" [00:01:58]

"not just audibly rooting for them and encouraging them but being a quiet cheerleader not seeking the spotlight uplifting them with genuine support and belief go Mommy go and then she writes to the folks that she sent this to but you might receive this to you you hear the struggles and hardships of the people around you and you intentionally pray for them and quietly assist them without seeking recognition" [00:02:57]

"I was thinking when I read this story about a character in the New Testament we read not a great deal about him if you're a Bible person you might know about him in the book of Acts we're told a bit about him his name was Joe he was from Cyprus and the first time that we read about him he sold off a field that he had he was part of his spiritual Community where they had pretty much nothing and he was somebody that had something so he sold it but then he took the money and it says he laid it at the apostles feet he just said you all will know what to do with this to help people so I want you to have it" [00:03:52]

"and in that text it says they gave him a new name his old name was Joe but they called him Barr that was the Hebrew or Aramaic word for son Barnabas son of encouragement now to to name someone the sum of some things some quality the son or daughter of uh means that it is so deeply a part of them and it's part of their identity it's in their DNA and in barnabas's life we see this quality" [00:04:30]

"and then it was Barnabas who took Paul under his wing and began to go off and do preaching and teaching that would change the world and then we read that initially it was Barnabas and Paul in ancient literature the leader would generally have their name go first and then all of a sudden we read in one chapter that it's now Paul and Barnabas or even Paul and his companions and so Barnabas once again is encouraging the leadership the impact of public lest you think that Barnabas is just this kind of um spineless person that did nothing but agree with everybody later on he disagrees with Paul so sharply about a man named John Mark John Marquette deserted them they were going to want another mission Paul said haven't got time for this guy let's leave him behind Barna said oh no Paul you're wrong I'm taking him with and he disagreed with Paul so sharply that he split from him in order to take John Mark you think about how much John Mark knew that Barnabas saw something believed in him and and and uh Barnabas turns out to be right later on Paul is really grateful for the ministry of John Mark" [00:05:26]

"now encouragement in Barnabas the son of encouragement go Mommy go go Mommy go go Mommy go is what might be called his signature strengths we're sending out a link today for you to take a survey it's a free survey now when you take it you can get the results back you will get offered other tests that you can get or other reports that you can get that cost money we're not getting any money for that you can get free results directly so don't feel any need or obligation to spend any more money on any more reports you can if you want to but that's not part of us but it's from this outfit via which is the most um serious attempt to do a scientific study of character strengths" [00:06:38]

"and the folks behind it starting with a guy named Martin Sullivan other folks I'm talking as part of this series with Roger Brotherton who is a psychologist that's a part of that movement um they'll identify 24 different talk about 24 different strikes we're going to walk through those together but there will be a few that are what might be called your signature strength their character qualities love creativity curiosity humility forgiveness it's going to be a wonderful Journey for them but you will find that a few of them are at the core of who you are like encouragement was for Barnabas go Mommy go" [00:07:19]

"Martin segment said that part of the way that you recognize the signature strength is there's a sense of ownership and authenticity to it this is the real me or a field of excitement while displaying it or a rapid learning curve as this character strength is first practice or a sense of Yearning to find new ways to use it and actually one of the biggest findings in positive psychology is that discovering new ways to use your signature strength to deploy it in a different way every day is one of the greatest things you can do for character growth" [00:08:01]

"so the invitation today is click on that link take that free survey take a look at all 24 of those virtues of those characters things now one of them is going to be number 24. that doesn't mean it's your weakness something has to be number 24. um that's part of your virtue your character as well and it can be a good thing to work on that one but folks who work in this area will say uh actually if you focus on taking something that is a strength and making it stronger developing and deploying it creatively it will lift all of your character including weaknesses that you have" [00:09:07]

"we make a little choice and every choice you make touches that deepest part of you where you are becoming ultimately other some either something that C.S Lewis says would be a nightmare if we were to run into it today or something that would look to us like a creature that we want to worship let's go for that let's go for good let's ask God going through this day anyhow God how do you want to change me and of course you don't do this on your own Jesus is right there with you go Mommy Go Go Daddy go go you go change starts today" [00:09:50]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?