Our Potential

Some people make a huge difference in the world, and others almost none at all. Do you think a genius is born or made? To what extent are our own abilities inherited and developed? Some answers to these questions may be learned from the lives of those who left their mark on world history.

For example, on February 19, 1878, Thomas Edison was awarded US Patent No. 200,521 for the phonograph, a device that recorded music and allowed it to be played back. This was only one among 1,093 US patents he received during his lifetime.

Edison followed an interesting life philosophy, reflected in some popular sayings attributed to him. For example, he was convinced that if we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.

Regarding the value of hard work, he declared that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. As to perseverance, Edison is often quoted as saying, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” And further, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” He believed that even our failures could teach us great lessons. Remember that honesty, creativity, thoroughness, and perseverance are basic components of building success.

King Solomon advised, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). In contrast, the prophet Jeremiah alerted, “Cursed is the one who does the LORD’s work negligently” (Jeremiah 48:10, NASB).

Modern civilization is much more prone to pleasure and laziness than to hard work and major accomplishments. It seems that life has become an end in itself. Few people are concerned with leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

But blessed are those who flee from mediocrity and superficiality! If we want to honor God with what we do, we should always do our best, as if we were employed by Him and working for Him.