Are you driven? And if so what objective, resource, tandem relationship or ideal spurs you forward? Are you relentless in your pursuits, do they pester you during hours dedicated to rest? Where are you headed my friend? What it the destination to which you’ve so aggressive directed your vessel? What have you left behind, deemed less important or too costly regarding time and energy that it had to be abandoned for the cause? What are the gains of such venture? Where will you be in five years having duly pursued this veracious appetite for success? Does this path seem so right to you that there is nothing or no one who could dissuade you from achieving that objective? What process sponsored this “at all costs” journey?

What is the nature of my “single minded” focus?  Why am I so determined to pursue this avenue even at the sacrifice of all other ideas or roads less traveled? Where did the idea come from was it generated in a moment of inspiration, am I copying someone else’s achievement of making up for their failure to achieve or do I have a hard time identifying the catalyst of my pursuit?

The Bible is very clear that there is a way that appears right to a man but its step leading directly to Hades. Now I am paraphrasing, but we get the general intent of the scripture. If it is myself and untrustworthy source at best from whom I have received “life leading” direction then by nature it is suspect. Do we have the self control of the Holy Spirit’s Character and guidance to understand that those voices that are not from God, even those voices of self must be investigated, analyzed and suspect at best in review. I don’t know what is right. I did not determine what the right path is in life by my own means or understanding, I was given that quiet whisper by the Good Shepherd and made the choice to obey that voice alone. “My sheep know my voice and another they will not follow”, does that sound familiar. This scripture describes a life where all other competing influences and voices are told to take a secondary or tertiary position to the clear direction of the Shepherd. Unfortunately for those of us who are really self-assured and motivated that includes our “own” voice as well.

I must face the fact that God gives me direction in HIS TIMING. When direction emerges internally, compulsively or with an appetite of “it must be done at all cost”, the mature Christian takes this to the Lord for confirmation. That process of confirmation typically resolves in an understanding that this direction did not come from the Lord but usually from our own mortal appetite for success, achievement, conquest, glory or wealth. If you find yourself driven, please slow down, pull over and let the Lord take the wheel because you my friend have gotten off that skinny path, taking another road of diversion from true purpose. I pray for peace in your life this very moment, In Jesus Mighty Name.