You’ve been blessed with success and are looking for greater significance, but what are the rewards of trying to make a difference in this world? And, a more haunting question perhaps, what are the responsibilities that come with success?
In my own halftime journey I was confronted by something Jesus said in Luke 12. There’s a large crowd surrounding Him and His small group of friends. Someone shouted to Jesus, “Tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
In essence he was saying, “I want more in life.”Jesus told them to be on guard against greed because it can ruin your life. Life is not about possessions. Stuff won’t deliver and doesn’t last.
Then he redirected his heart on where to find more in life. Jesus told his closest followers that to live the good life is to be like a house servant, who knows their assignment and is focused on doing it well. My reward has greater meaning and purpose now as I live out God’s call, and long-term dividends in the future when I give account to God for how I invested my time and talent.
But there’s a second part of what Jesus said…
He went on to say you are responsible for what you have been given. The cost of not being ready and focused on what you are called to do is very high. It’s not uncommon for me to be coaching a CEO or entrepreneur, who most would consider to be living the dream life, and hear sadness and regret when I ask, “What has all your winning cost you?”
When you have been given much and squander it by drifting or through self-absorption, you not only lose the reward in heaven…
…You lose the richness of living a life of significance.
…You also suffer the loss of what you were trying to hold on to – power, identity, wealth, achievement. It will eventually go away.
So, what is all your winning costing you?
By Lloyd Reeb
