Recently, I came across an online article entitled “You will never reach your potential”. I did a double take when I first saw it because I was surprised that the writer, Michael Jensen would couch his message in a somewhat “negative” vibe.
After all, more often than not, content producers on social media are either motivating people to reach one’s potential or trying to offer or sell something that is purportedly helpful for reaching our potential. They know that most people aspire to do better in their lives and readily buy into this idea that self-actualisation is within one’s grasp. The belief is that if we try hard enough, diet enough or exercise more self-discipline enough, we can become the best version of ourselves.
Even a Christian school like Anglo-Chinese School in Singapore chose to adopt a motto “The best is yet to be”. Contrary to how some may have assumed this motto to be inspired by the Bible, it is actually derived from a Robert Browning’s poem, “Rabbi Ben Ezra”. Apart from expressing optimism about what the students can achieve, the motto is intended to serve as a reminder to never settle but to always strive to improve and move things forward.
As parents, there have been occasions when my wife and I have this nagging doubt whether we have short-changed our daughters by being unable to afford “elite” ballet classes and sending them for competitions to gain experience. Given that our girls’ past and present ballet teachers have commented about their potential to do well, we wonder how life may have turned out for them if given the opportunities.
One thing that helped to guard ourselves against being overwhelmed by parental guilt and sinking into self-pity is our conviction that our Father in heaven loves our children more than the both of us. We take comfort in the assurance that God who is sovereign not only knows what is best for them, he will provide what is needed for our daughters to flourish as individuals (Matthew 6:25-33, Philippians 4:19).
Furthermore, what matters to us as parents is that our daughters will always abide in Christ and continue to grow healthily in every aspect of their lives. It would be most heartbreaking for us if they earned the accolades of the world but lose their soul in their pursuit of reaching their potential.
With regards to my girls, it also dawned upon me that there is much truth in Jensen’s remark that “most of us have no clue what our potential is”. Indeed, how can my daughters objectively know what their potential is? For example, is Olivia setting too low a bar if she accepts that third place is the highest position she can ever attain at a competition? Should Sophia strive to become the prima ballerina of some prestigious dance company?
Thankfully, as Christians, we know that reaching one’s potential is not the purpose of human life. In fact, it would be most burdensome if it was otherwise. Just consider how weighty the regret may be for someone who believes that he has missed out on his potential because he failed to revise adequately for his GCE O-Level Exams? Or imagine how painful it would be for a bereaving family if all they can see is that death has cruelly robbed them of their young child and her potential.
Although there is nothing inherently wrong in being ambitious and not resting in our laurels, what is of utmost priority is that we learn to seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Just as David was commended as one who “served the purpose of God in his own generation” (Acts 13:36), we too can learn to avail ourselves for the work of the Lord in every season of our lives.
By doing so, it helps us to turn our attention away from ourselves and focus on God’s will. In addition, as we seek to obey God and put into practice what he has clearly revealed through his Word, we can trust that God will graciously work in and through us to bless others and bring about his kingdom purposes.
Thus, even when a faithful believer has a shorter life-span than the average person, we need not lose heart or conclude that this individual has missed out on reaching his or her potential. We can trust that whenever God is at work, he will ultimately bring about all things to his glory.
While many in this world may be driven to channel their energies and resources to achieving their potential, let us be those who are more concerned about God’s glory than ours. Although there may be various things that divert our attention or seemingly derail our efforts to glorify God, we can take heed of Apostle Paul’s exhortation to “be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
When we look at the world around us and the state of God’s church today, we are mindful that things are not the way God has intended them to be. Our challenges as God’s people are tremendous. For example, whether it is to demonstrate God’s love to others or to help victims find justice on earth would involve humble service, loving sacrifice and patience in suffering.
But with the resurrection of Christ, we can take heart that the final victory is already accomplished. The fulfilment of God’s purposes shall be accompanied with great joy. And what a privilege it is that in the coming days of 2026 and beyond, God is calling us to arise and be those who will serve the purpose of God in our generation.
