Patterns and Principles – Part 4

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

Achievers: Achievers love to overcome challenges and perform for others. At best, they’re motivated to grow, stretch, and learn. They inspire and move people to action and enjoy being in front of crowds. Giving a talk energizes them. Without a chance to develop and shine they lose their motivation. Achievers want to make an impact, can be tempted to live for the image they portray, and end up idolizing their own performance. They’re apt to measure success in terms of applause and recognition. When John the Baptist said about Jesus, ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’ (John 3:30), he demonstrated the kind of surrender that can be difficult for an achiever. Simon Magus thought he could buy a spectacular ministry like Peter’s, and offered Peter money in exchange for the ability to give others the Holy Spirit (see Acts 8:18-22). Similarly, an unredeemed achiever can turn what looks like serving God into serving himself. For many of us ‘the sin that so easily trips us up’ (Hebrews 12:1) is pride. While achievers have the ability to accomplish great things and enrich the lives of others, they can also become preoccupied with their own image and success. What’s the answer? Paul says: ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves…look not only to your own interests, but…the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 2:3-5).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to focus less on me and more on You and others in all that I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen