#33 Accomplishment
“Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.”
Thomas Carlyle
Our jobs and careers generally consume most of our time and it is often upon what we achieve in this realm that our self-confidence lies. When considering your own life, what are the aspects that you look back in with a sense of pride? What are the highlights on which your own sense of self has been built?
A sense of accomplishment, that we have done something difficult, worthwhile, beneficial, etc., is a driving force for most of us in how we spend our lives. Some are motivated to become proficient at a certain skill or talent, to achieve a goal or advance a career. Others find reward in the fruit of their efforts, seeking material success or some form of recognition and notoriety. Others pursue accomplishment in what they can do for others in areas of philanthropy, social justice, education, and the like. All these achievements provide a sense of satisfaction and often motivate us to pursue more.
Imagine the wonder of the disciples of Jesus when he sent them out in pairs ahead of him. They returned amazed that “even the demons submit to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17) There was certainly a sense of accomplishment that they were able to do unimaginable things as followers of Jesus. He affirms their sense of achievement noting that God had given them authority to accomplish the miraculous. “See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)
However, Jesus immediately reminds his disciples that their accomplishments should not be their primary focus. “Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20) In essence Jesus reminds them (and us) not to rejoice in successful service or what we have accomplished. Rather our rejoicing should be because we are rightly related to him.
It is easy to become distracted by our accomplishments, even those efforts of service for others in the name of Jesus. Yet, when our focus remains primarily on the relationship we have with him, the impact to us and others is immeasurable. God will work through us in untold ways, in all that we do and say—like a stone on the surface of a still river—because the Spirit of God is manifested tangibly within us.
Let us encourage one another to make the relationship the priority we seek and allow God to be the one who achieves, accomplishing all that is intended for our lives, in us and through us.
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Dan Kreiss, RPC’s Associate Pastor for Mission Outreach, brings with him a heart for service and a diverse array of experiences in the mission field. Be sure to subscribe to the Mission Outreach Blog to read and follow along as he documents his personal journey and shares his vision for RPC’s mission outreach commitment. Along with providing meaningful resources, this blog will help jumpstart the important conversations our church community must be having about missional living.
Dan Kreiss
Rev. Dr. Dan Kreiss is the Associate Pastor for Mission Outreach at RPC. Dan is particularly passionate about encouraging the church to reflect the diversity found in its surrounding community in regard to age, gender, ethnicity, education and economic status.