What Drives You?

February 3, 2011 in Bikers' Church, City Church, Spirituality 4

We are launching into a new series this week called Living A Life Of Purpose. It’s based on Rick Warren’s best selling book, The Purpose Driven Life.

The first question I’ll be asking the people of both churches is this: What drives you? You see, I believe we are all driven by something. In fact, it is part of our very nature to be driven people.

As I reflect on my life, I realize that I have been driven by many different things over the years. For many years, I was driven by a need to be accepted by others. You see, growing up, my family moved a lot. I mean a lot. I changed schools almost every year. The worse thing was the moves often happened during the school year. So I was the kid who showed up after everyone else had built friendships. As a result, I really didn’t have any childhood friends. In fact, I can only remember one guy that I hung around with before the age of thirteen.

And so, I did whatever it took to be accepted. When the guy I hung around with in grade nine stole his parent’s car, I went along with him. When I met a few guys who hung out behind the school sniffing glue, I joined in. Whatever it took to be accepted, I did. It drove me.

It wasn’t until years into my pastoral ministry that I finally dealt with that need for approval. I stopped doing ministry just so I’d get that pat on the back, or the “great job!” from someone. Yes, it’s still great to hear someone tell me I inspired them with a message I preached, but I no longer do it for other’s approval.

Today, I am driven by the desire to live out the purpose God has created me for. Part of that purpose is inspiring others to change. And so, now when someone tells me that, I rejoice not because of their approval, but because I know I’m fulfilling God’s purpose for my life.

So, what about you? What are some of the things that have driven you in the past? Have you managed to overcome them or do they still drive your life?

Oh, and if you’re in Ottawa, why not check out the series? It begins at Bikers’ Church tonight at 7PM and at City Church on Sunday at 10:30AM.

  • http://jeffkclarke.com Jeff Clarke

    Hey Rob,

    For me it was the need to be successful and to be recognized as such by my peers, and even family. Those things are increasingly loosing their grip on my life. What I’m dreaming of these days has less and less to do with achieving success (normally defined by North American criteria), and more about giving my life away for others; what some have termed radical otherness.

    In Matthew Barnett’s most recent book, ‘The Cause Within You,” he highlighted a very similar idea when he wrote, “When you lose yourself in God’s cause you will never bother to look for yourself again.” And, in a Tweet this morning he made this statement from pg. 13, “I don’t want you to talk or think about success ever again…think about being a blessing.” Reminds me of Jesus call, “if you lose yourself for me, you’ll find life. If you focus on yourself, you’ll lose life” (my paraphrase).

    A life lived for Christ, and in turn for others, becomes a life well-lived.

    Blessings as you begin this new series!
    Jeff

  • Anonymous

    Jeff, love it! I think I’ll have to pick up that book. That quote is great, but the term, “radical otherness” is incredible.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

  • Judy LaParne

    I loved the series so much! I have re-read the book and even bought a few to hand out to friends and family. Superb!! Cant wait to hear more…

  • Anonymous

    Very cool, Judy! I’m encouraging people to read the book as they follow along with the series. Glad you are able to connect with it :-)