What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th century American essayist)
We often are so entangled in the affairs of life that we rarely consider who we are, rather concentrating on what we have done or what we think we can do in the future. As Emerson suggests, however, the internal is much more important than the external. We must develop our inner character to be able to accomplish anything worthwhile.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is. (Romans 12:2)