What in the world are you doing?” is not only the title of a challenging poem by author Claressa Beckhon but an inquiry of accountability. No question, the motives for what we do and why deserve serious examination. Caught up in the rush of the day and era, time can easily slip away, leaving behind only a reality of how we spent it. Whether we use it wisely or foolishly, we reflect the sum total of every second, minute, hour, week, month, year, and decade of our lives.
What in the world are you doing?” is not only the title of a challenging poem by author Claressa Beckhon but an inquiry of accountability. No question, the motives for what we do and why deserve serious examination. Caught up in the rush of the day and era, time can easily slip away, leaving behind only a reality of how we spent it. Whether we use it wisely or foolishly, we reflect the sum total of every second, minute, hour, week, month, year, and decade of our lives.
In this vast garden called life, that which is planted and nurtured sprouts and grows — good, bad, or indifferent — bearing the fruits of our labor. Ultimately, we cannot camouflage the life we are living or the seeds we are planting.
Many of us are so busy but is all of the busyness linked to our true purpose? Consider that a tremendous amount of energy and synergy is exerted daily into jobs, projects, programs, popular events, and lofty endeavors. But is fulfillment a fruit we enjoy as a result of our labor? Let’s give ourselves what I call the “fulfillment of purpose test” as we personally answer the following ten questions.
1) Am I being myself?
2) Am I doing what is truly in my heart to do?
3) What are the motives of my current actions?
4) Are my thoughts, actions and work strictly for self or for the good of others as well?
5) Am I spending quality time with God, the children, family members, and friends He placed in my life?
6) Am I committed to a worthwhile cause?
7) Do I have short- and long-term goals for my life?
8) Am I working on a God-inspired vision, either my own or a corporate vision involving others?
9) Do I help someone other than myself each day?
10) Does my life set a good example for children and others to follow?
When these questions are honestly addressed and adhered to, then other questions that arise from numbing tragedies will not haunt us. Like international minister and author Dr. Myles Munroe, I believe we were born to lead at some capacity but must be taught how. Good leadership starts with a healthy relationship with God and spreads to others.
As success advocate Peter Lowe states, “Americans aren’t sure you can be successful and love God. The Bible says you can’t be successful without loving God.” I must boldly declare, leadership that is not based in a love for God is dangerous. Why? Because God gives us life, breath, and all things (Genesis 2:7 and Acts 17:25); to have no love or reverence for God means spiritual blindness is present. If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.
Love, responsibility and accountability are the checks and balances of good leadership. Oh, anyone can evade or try to escape these three mandatory requirements, but it takes honesty, courage, commitment, and patience to embrace and live them. And when one is empowered with integrity–the sum-total of the aforementioned characteristics—his/her motive is purified.
“Live in peace with each other. And we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 NIV
Ultimately, we cannot camouflage the life we are living or the seeds we are planting.