Greetings Everyone!
Several months ago Loretta sent me John Bevere’s Audible book titled You Are Called: Discover Your God-Given Gifts To Fulfill Your Purpose. Last week during our morning walk I began listening and soon was compelled to offer it to you as our next book review. In reviewing the posts of the past 60 days, I judge them heavier on the theological and historical aspects of our faith up to the present day, especially with Wendell Martin’s Go Now book. Though I seldom choose to comment on current events, I was impressed and compelled it is past time, considering our cultures preponderance of distractions for our sanctification, to offer this simple book’s scriptural message in a most practical down-to-earth rubber meets the road preparation I’ve encountered to date. Whether you’re 16 or 92, we all can benefit from this Real-Deal Spiritual Analysis & Catalyst Stimulus Package.
Day One: Monday Oct 13 Chapter One: Connecting the Dots
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me the thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. Proverbs 9:10-12
The year was 2012. I was scheduled to speak in the Los Angeles area for a church weekend service when one of our ministry partners, I’ll call him Stan, discovered I was coming to the LA area, he called and asked if I would like to play golf at the famous Riviera Country Club. I enthusiastically responded, “Yes, I’d love to,” so Stan picked me up early Saturday morning for the dream round. I even ended the round at 2 under par. We had a great time together and it was a memorable morning to say the least. On the drive back to the hotel Stan asked a heartfelt question. “John, can I ask you about an issue I’ve been wrestling with?” “Sure!” I replied.
In a vulnerable and most sincere manner he set up his question. “John I’ve worked tirelessly and diligently giving many hours to building my businesses over the past couple of decades. My net worth now is approximately $9 million. Everything is running smoothly with my current clients. The result of years of hard work is that my wife and children are financially set for life.”
Then came this loaded question! “Now that I’m entering my 50s, why should I work at the same pace? Why should I struggle to build my business to $35 million over the next ten years?”
Before you read on, consider this question like Stan. Have you ever wrestled personally with a similar “Why should I” question without yet fully answering it? If so, mentally complete any of the following phrases that reflect your struggle. Feel free to write down your responses.
Why should I keep caring about…?
Why should I keep devoting time to…?
Why should I keep on…?
Why shouldn’t I give up on…?
The Holy Spirit instantly gave me wisdom on how to answer.
Stan, let me pose you a scenario. Suppose I was to say, Stan, I’ve spent years working hard to write 17 books that are now in over 80 languages with copies numbering in the millions. I’ve flown over 10 million miles in the past 25 years fighting jet lag, experienced a variety of cultures and strange foods, stayed in tiny hotel rooms, all so I could spread the gospel all over the globe. The ministry is doing well and my finances are stable. Lisa and my children are set too, so why should I continue to work at this same rate?
It was a perfect setup and with a slight chuckle he answered, “I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes when you face Jesus one day.”
BOTTOM LINE:
“Stan,” I said, “That’s exactly what you were talking about regarding your own business!” The smile immediately left his face. He turned his eyes away from the highway and toward me with a look of shock. To be continued tomorrow.