The dictionary defines potential as having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future. Two additional words that help paint the picture of potential are promise and possibility. The keyword in the definition is future. This lets us know that potential is realized in time, or should I say possibilities are determined by what is done in time. This brings real light to what potential is. Potential does not guarantee a predetermined outcome, but potential presents one of many possibilities. Many things with the potential for something good have the same potential for something bad. The outcome is determined by what is done in time. If something has the potential for good and nothing is done to nurture, strengthen, and develop the possibility of good, nothing will come of it. That potential will pass through time, only being potential and never developing into the good that was possible. It is interesting to note that when there is potential for something bad or negative, it seems to take less effort and even less time to develop into a finished product that progresses expeditiously toward evil. This has much to do with the fall of man, as presented in Genesis 2.
In that scripture, Adam and Eve disobeyed God and fell under the power of the prince of this world. According to Ephesians 2:2, they began walking according to the course of this world and with the spirit that works in the children of disobedience. There is a real evil presence called Satan, who entices and influences our carnal nature towards ungodly behavior through temptation, lust, pride, and unbelief. This fosters and empowers our potential for evil, which causes bad behavior to seem natural and normal. Point and case, it seems easier to lie than tell the truth. It seems easier to make money illegally than legitimately. More and more people are sexually active without the blessing of holy matrimony. The new birth comes by faith, learning Godly principles, and by being taught the word of God. When the potential for good is not nurtured through the new birth, the spirit of this world and Maximize Your Potential every media platform created work in concert to deceive many and pervert the truth, resulting in a wasted potential for good.
