Most people want to be successful.
Very few people, if any, ever set out to fail.
But it is very important for us to understand our motivations for our various pursuits.
Whenever I start something new, I try and ask myself:
"What is my end goal here?"
When we start a new pursuit—a career, hobby, relationship, or a blog, for example—it's normal to ask ourselves:
"Is this going to work?
Is it going to be successful?
Do people care what I have to say?
Is this a mistake?
Should I just give up here?"
(Often, I believe, these questions of doubt are leftover seeds from the Enemy, whose goal from the beginning was to hold us back from our potential.)
But we have to be honest as to what we're hoping to accomplish.
I'm reminded of what the apostle John said:
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
(1 John 2:15-17 NIV)
If I set out for the purpose of gaining my own glory or fame, then I'm no different than the Pharisees of Jesus' day.
Jesus told the Pharisees that they had their reward because they were most concerned over acquiring the praise of men.
This isn't to say that GOD wants us to fail, by any means.
But we're focusing on our motivations here.
It's important to take inventory of our lives, periodically, to see what we're chasing and why.
We can't serve two masters.
If my life is all about me then I can't shine the spotlight on GOD.
So, I'll answer my own question from the opening paragraph.
My end goal is to connect with others who crave a deeper relationship with GOD, who are on fire because of His nearness, who aren't satisfied with being "okay" and "fine" every day, people who are willing to challenge the status quo or what they've always believed if it enables them to draw closer to GOD.
I believe I have found the overflowing abundant life that Jesus came to give, and it's more than being a "good Christian" or "going to church." I want to share this experience with others on our journey from earth to eternity.
That's my answer.
What about you?
What are you pursuing and for whose glory are you aiming—yours or GOD's?
