Don't be a Zero

2 months ago, I listened to Bishop TD Jakes' message titled:

"Committment."

One of the things he said that resonated with me is that "zero is the only number that does not add to the total sum." If I may extend that (& I will), when you consider our 5-fold mission from God (see Gen 1:28*), zero does not just "not add" (forgive the double negative) to the sum total of a number, it actual diminishes any number to nothing when it gets into the "multiplier mode." God expects us to live in a multiplier mode as a way of life. 

Yes, God expects that we are an "increase agent" wherever we are i.e. that we don't just add but actually multiply - and that is one thing no "zero" can do. 2 examples of being an increase agent are found in Matt 5: 16 - 16- “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (The Message)

As we rise & shine,** we lift Jesus up then He draws men (& women) to Himself*** - now if that isn't increase what is? Daniel 12:3 tells us that: "Men & women who have lived wisely & well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever." (The Message)

Well, on that note, I encourage you to aspire to inspire, not just pespire, before you expire...then you'll move from "Zero" to "Hero" to God's glory

- that's my personal goal.

Today is the day before the first day of 2013 i.e. Day 1 - 1 day = Day 0...purpose not to be a zero in any form or fashion, from tomorrow and all through your life.

Wishing you a Year of Increase - in, through and for you... God bless and keep us all. AMEN!
 

References:

*Gen 1:28 -And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth. (Amplified)

**Is 60: 1- 3 - Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Amplified)

***John 12:32 - And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (NIV)

****The Message