I am convinced that the change we want to see in our world does not occur primarily because of our petty affection for security. Yes, I have three kids and a wife that I love, but I also have lots of conversations with people who tell me they want to do big things and then do the opposite.
I believe the protection of “lifestyle” that appears to be fulfilling actually keeps people from the deep desires of their heart that bring actual fulfillment.
Let me give you an illustration with a guy recently that loves our business at GiANT and what we stand for. His words said this, “I am to the point where I really want to focus on being more significant and utilize my successes to influence others like you all are doing.” He went on to state that he had come to the reality that it was now or never. As we talked I began asking him deeper questions about his desire to be significant. I asked him how risk averse he was, how flexible he was and then the ultimate question, “What do you need to live on to become significant.”
I was shocked at his answers to my questions. This great guy stated that he had two homes he needed to cover (though we could use one for retreats if needed) and needed to cover a minimum of $250K because of schooling, club dues, etc. He also stated that his wife was used to a certain “lifestyle” that he had to manage. Does this sound familiar?
Let me state my point this way…
I believe “successful” people are inhibiting their impact and influence because of an over protection of their lifestyles. It is as if their possessions are the tails that wag the dog.
The greatest leader ever, Jesus of Nazareth, had a run in with a guy that wanted to change the world. He was an aristocrat who seemed to really want to be more significant. Jesus knew his inhibition – it was his family money. So Jesus boldly stated, “Great. Go sell your possessions and give them to the poor.” He knew that one act would liberate him from the one thing that held him back. The problem with this young leader was that he wanted to be a part of world change on his own terms. As the story ends it was revealed that this young rulers possessions won and his inhibition led him back to his world of success with dreams of changing the world going back into the bottle of his head.
If you want to change the world you must:
- Make room for risk.
- Not bow down to your possessions.
- Revisit your priorities – where your money is your heart is.
- Realize your being prohibited to do so by the things (possessions) that don’t bring true life.
- Live off of half of what you need – eliminate as many fixed costs as possible.
- Begin to give yourself away for others benefit.
- Ask God to help you and instruct you towards world change.
Stop limiting yourselves, please!
Question: What are your thoughts on how we can let our desire to protect our lifestyles inhibit us from making a greater impact? Leave a comment below. Comment Here
