Chapter 3- What Drives Your Life?

This really is a long chapter and there is so much to cover. I think we will do it in segments. In the first segment we'll talk about the driving forces and how each of us are (or have been) affected by them. Mid-week I'll post a second segment that talks about the 'benefits of purpose driven living.'

I put some deep thought into this chapter. At various times in my life, I have been driven by all 5 of the things mentioned- along with a few that weren't mentioned. The main point is that SOMETHING drives each one of us. What drives you? Does it have to be something negative in nature? No, it doesn't. Suppose the purpose of this chapter is to shed light on the negative driving forces so that we can put them to rest- allowing us to focus on the positive forces that drive us toward our purpose?

How many of us are driven by guilt?

Of the ones listed, this is probably the most predominant for me. Not so much because I was 'running from regrets and hiding shame' but because I have always felt that I have to compromise my opinion, decision, or position to avoid conflict or hurt feelings. If I don't base my decisions on what's best for everyone else involved- regardless of my own personal best interests, I feel guilty. Although I understand and appreciate that my sins have been forgiven (Psalm 32:1), I do still feel somewhat guilty for the sins of my past. Perhaps subconsciously I hold on to the guilt just to make sure I don't make the same mistakes again. Apparently, this is something I need to work on...

How many of us are driven by resentment and anger?

There have definitely been times in my life when I was resentful and angry. One thing I can honestly say is that I just can't stay mad. I've tried! It doesn't work for me. I try to view that as a blessing- though it sometimes seems more like a curse. I absolutely love the line in PDL that says "those who have hurt you in the past cannot continue to hurt you now unless you hold on to the pain through resentment." How true is that? This paragraph reminded me of "The Lion King" where Rafiki whacked Simba over the head & when asked 'why?' he said 'it doesn't matter, it's in the past!'

How many of us are driven by fear?

I'm guilty again! I'm sure I have missed some great opportunities because of being afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I've been known to scare myself to death with 'what if this' and 'what if that'. It's time to get over it so I can get on with it!

How many of us are driven by materialism?

Now, of the five, this is probably the least of my concerns. Those of you who know me, know that I'm not very materialistic. I am satisfied if I can make enough money to pay the bills. I drive my cars until they die, I shop at Goodwill, and for goodness sakes I still have Grandma's 30 year old carpet! Don't get me wrong, I like nice things- I just don't have to have them. In 1997 I learned that "the most valuable things in life are not things!" and that "you can't take it with you". So, I'm content knowing that I have security in my relationship with God.

How many of us are driven by the need for approval?

In my younger days I struggled with this more so than now. But I figured out that I was never going to meet everyones standards- so I lived by mine. As the book puts it, "one key to failure is to try to please everyone." I do have to admit that kudos are nice every now and then.

What else drives you? is it a positive or negative force?