OWN YOUR ZONE
Ever wonder how to get the most out of life? It starts with owning your zone.
If we go back to the very beginning, we realize God’s instruction for our lives has never changed. He laid forth the truth that our individual lives are our own personal responsibility (Gen. 1:28). He directed us to be fruitful and multiply, the implications going much further than reproduction. We aren’t meant to simply maintain status quo, but to improve our lives. He commanded us to cultivate the earth, living a life that gives more than we consume. He also instructed us to have dominion in the earth. That’s speaking directly to our zone, our area of influence. We are to own and lead our environment.
In other words, instead of approaching life with an “it is everyone else’s responsibility” attitude to make us happy, successful, or affluent, we are to own our zone. We are to deliberately invest in and nurture our personal lives (mental, physical, spiritual), our relationships, and our occupations. Let’s never underestimate the power of taking personal responsibility.
Owning Your Zone Takes Courage.
Take Peter walking on water as an example (Mt 14:22-33). The boat feels safe, comfortable, and secure compared to swelling waves and the pitch black of night. Everyone was content with staying in the boat, but Peter wanted Jesus to take him to new places. Bear in mind, just because other people aren’t doing something doesn’t mean it’s not for you! It’s time to dare to be different. We should ask ourselves: what are we afraid of leaving behind? what do we put our security in?
Peter hadn’t gone crazy and wasn’t going to move by his own impulse, but he would obey God’s words. The religious spirit says things like: don’t go rocking the boat, why do you need to be so extreme, just settle down already. But a courageous spirit says things like: I will embrace things that make me feel uncomfortable, not everyone is going to agree with my decision and I am ok with that, I am meant for more!
Now, water walking was not something Peter did for recreational purposes. To own your zone, you don’t have to be a bungee jumper, double black diamond skier or a person that loves the thrill of a rollercoaster, but you do have to choose to face your fears. Peter needed to see and hear Christ speaking, “Take courage, it’s I. Don’t be afraid.” Do you need courage today? Everything you need is found in the great I AM.
Owning Your Zone Takes Action.
You heard the statement “nothing changes if nothing changes”. The moment Peter heard Christ bidding him to “come”, he took action. He stepped over the edge of the boat and let go.
We’ve got to step out. For Peter, it was literally putting his feet over the sides of the vessel and letting go completely. God miraculously provided the stable surface, but Peter is the one who had to walk on it. God may be opening new doors and new ways, but we’ve got to take the steps.
Galatians 6:7 says it this way, “For what you plant will always be the very thing you harvest.” Our actions affect our harvest. Do you want to experience fruitfulness and multiplication? Get to work and start sowing! Some of us keep waiting for “our ship to come in”, but nothing is coming because we never sent a ship out. Or we keep sowing the wrong kind of seed and expect different results.
Rather than looking around for someone to blame, look at yourself. Have you taken action or are you still waiting for someone else? Better yet, have you taken the correct action? This is not some form of extreme discipleship, this is just saying “yes” to the invite of Jesus to “come”, answering the call to live our faith. It’s time to get moving!
Owning Your Zone Takes Fortitude & Perseverance
It’s hard work. Culturally, we like things to come easy. We like the idea of having lots of money without really working for it. However, if we are going to take responsibility for our lives, we’re going to need strength and determination with a heavy dose of humility.
The scriptures say that when Peter saw the wind he began to sink and cried out (Mt 14:30). Not his finest moment. However, owning our zone includes both the good bits and the bad bits. The truth is we can’t avoid the wind (opposition, setbacks, unexpected obstacles), but we can choose to maintain our focus and continue with perseverance. Part of owning our zone is facing our own pride and shame. It’s painful, difficult, and uncomfortable to admit when we’re wrong and made a mistake. Be careful not to fall into the trap of self-pity. Self-pity is the enemy of personal growth.
Notice the strength Jesus immediately supplies Peter in taking hold of him and lifting him back up (verse 31). The good news is this: even if we lose sight of Him, He has never lost sight of us! Next, Jesus calls Peter into more personal growth. He says, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus wasn’t saying, “O you of NO faith”. He’s calling Peter to perseverance. He is calling Peter into personal growth.
Are you up for the challenge of owning your zone? Don a courageous spirit, take steps, and keep on going. It’s time to make the most of your life!
