For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. — Mark 8:35

In Wild at Heart, John Eldredge argues that when we seek to save our lives, we lose it. He spoke about a long season in his early adulthood where all his daily energy was spent trying to “beat the trials of life and arrange for a little pleasure.” He was either her striving or indulging. After this season and gaining a little wisdom, Eldredge learned the quality of a true warrior: “He is in service to a purpose greater than himself; a transcendent cause.”

I certainly can recognize his situation. I spent the first thirty-five years of my life thinking mainly about myself. And yes, by the time I was ready to make a change I had already been married to Shantell for nearly fifteen years and parenting four children; so sure, I was not totally selfish. But I know I could do more to serve a purpose much larger than myself. I committed to living the next thirty-five years much differently: thinking of others and God’s desires. Here is what Eldredge shared what a Royal Air Force Pilot pilot wrote shortly before his plane went down in 1940: “The universe is so vast and so ageless that the life of one man can only be justified by the measure of his sacrifice.” This pilot ultimately lived by that example.

No, you may not always have to pay with your life, but a life of self-preservation causes one to risk missing out on purpose. Not starting that company, going for that promotion, asking your love to marry you, fighting for your marriage and children, working that deal — each of these fears stems from a desire to protect oneself. When you live in Purpose, you take risks. And there is certainly a risk you can fail. But the much greater risk is to not live a life of Purpose. Go for it.

What are you afraid of? What would you do if you were not afraid?

---

Receive Your Monday Empowerment

---

Leadership Empowerment