Driving....

Sunday Drive:  by Rachel  found on Flickr http://bit.ly/1rJfclJ

“[The first call every Christian experiences is] the call to abandon the attachments of this world.”

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

Okay, here are three questions to ask yourself.

1. What drives you?

2. What motivates you?

3. What's the reason you do what you do? 

Are your answers, money, friends, family, a car, etc? Is it to have a bigger house, get a better job, be known by those who you think are important?!

 Philippians 1:12-26

"12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me."

Paul, the author of Philippians was under house arrest at the time he wrote this letter to the believers in Philippi. What was the one thing driving Paul? It was Jesus Christ!!

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." -Philippians 4:13

What happens when the thing that is driving you is gone? 

The song "American Dream" by Casting Crowns came to mind!

The lyrics talk about a father who works hard to get ahead in the standards of the world, but in the end his kingdom will just melt and become nothing.

This world constantly bombards us with the lie that "things" will make them happy, but we will never feel complete with the things of this world!  In Luke 18:22 Jesus replied to a rich ruler saying,"You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven..." 

 Things of this earth should not matter to us. The rich ruler was unable to sell his earthly possessions and follow Christ. He was holding on the lie that "things" will make you complete.

The following quote is from “Enough” by Will Davis Jr. “Your purpose in life isn’t to make money. It isn’t to live a comfortable lifestyle, to prepare for your retirement, or even to provide well for your family. Believe it or not, you’re designed for something far better and much more exhilarating. If you limit your life’s purpose to acquiring wealth or living comfortably, then you’ll never have enough and you’ll never be satisfied.”

Next time you ask yourself, “What is driving me?” If you answer something other than Jesus Christ, find a way to fix that! I know it’s not easy but it’s something we must do.

Inspiration for this Blog post came from Josh Mangioni. August 13th 2014