This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Bring It Forth!

“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” ― Gospel of Thomas

Admittedly, I have yet to read the Gospel of Thomas. However, I came across this quote from the Gospel of Thomas and it resonated well with me. It has a simple, yet powerful message. 

What do you need to bring forth that is within you?  Perhaps it is anything that you want to do but are afraid to do. I don't think I will be good at it.  I will look like a fool if I try it. Certainly there are others that can do this better than I. I don't like leaving my comfort zone. I am afraid to try new things. It doesn't matter because I don't have the time to do this. I need a change, I don't like my job.  I have always wanted to go there. I want to read that book. I want to help that person but what if they refuse my help. I want to support that cause but it will consume too much of my time. I want to meet that person but what if they won't like me. 

Ignore all of the excuses and construct your "bring it forth" list anyhow. Now you are ready.  Take action!  Keep it simple. Pick one thing from your "bring it forth" list. Pick the easiest one. Of course it is not easy because you still have not done it but choose what seems like the simplest one to complete. Start doing it. Take one small step forward to do something that will move you toward completing it.   After you have done it, go back to your list and pick your second "bring it forth" item. 

Now that you have done one or more items, how will it save you?  Actually, if you look at how it will destroy you by not bringing it forth, you will better understand how bringing it forth saves you. I will regret not trying it. I will not meet new people. I will not see new places.  I will never know if I will be good at it. I will not advance in my career. I will miss an opportunity to help someone. I will not have a new friend. When you destroy you, you destroy others.  You will destroy another the opportunity to meet you, see you, learn from you, be your friend, love you. 

Jesus was reminding us that we can have an abundant life.  Bring it forth! 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?