There are so many good words that start with the letter ‘g’. – GOD, GIVE, GENTLE, GRACE, GIFT, GLORY, GOOD, GAIN
GAIN….
When you think of the word gain, what comes to mind? Associations with words such as – momentum, stock market, weight, for us highly domesticated ladies, laundry detergent? The connotation of gain is typically a good thing – unless you are trying to shed unwanted pounds from your fearfully and wonderfully made figure, but that is a whole ‘nother topic for a later discussion. In daily life, I like to gain momentum. When I check our mutual fund holdings, I love to see market gains. When my daughter was a chunky little baby, I eagerly anticipated going to the pediatrician to see her progress in gaining weight. To gain or to acquire something that will increase your status is usually a good thing. We work hard and do our best so that we can gain wealth, friends, positions, etc. – but at what point do we cross the line?
Our world system is driven by gains. If you are not gaining, you are remaining stagnant or you are losing. Again, unless it is in reference to desired weight loss, there are not many areas in life where one would choose to lose. But the fact of the matter is, the more we focus on worldly gains and accomplishments, the more we expose ourselves to the very real danger of losing our soul.
What is your soul, really?
I have been taught and buy into the understanding that your soul is made of your mind, will and emotions. It is who you are – your unique thumbprint in this world. The essence of your character, the energy you put out, the persona you display.
The struggle is real
When I started Unlimited Faith, I would spend hours upon hours researching, coordinating, updating, focusing on getting this business launched. I had dreams and visions of Unlimited Faith becoming this thriving community where many lives would be blessed. I worked hard to see something tangible manifest out of all the sweat equity I poured into my business. I looked to see how others were doing it. I wanted to be successful like other companies and of course I desired to make gains when it came to selling products. For all it has taught me, the one thing I hold onto is – I don’t want to gain the whole world and lose my soul. I don’t want to be like everyone else – I don’t want to chase someone else’s dream – I don’t want to compromise who I am and who God created me to be – to gain the world. When we get busy chasing what the world has to offer – striving to reach certain goals, acquiring material possessions and reaching the social or financial status we always dreamed of, it becomes so easy to take our minds off what really matters. Initially, those long nights starting up Unlimited Faith, led to long days which led to me being so tired all.the.time. My neverending tiredness led to snappiness and being impatient with my children and husband. On one side I was gaining – knowledge, business acumen, confidence and on the other side, I was losing – relationship, love, peace, health. Man, I tell you. It was and sometimes still is hard. It is hard striking the perfect balance, but it is worth fighting for.
It came to the point where I had to realize that chasing the dream was robbing me. I only got glimpses of joy, fun family time, and rest. I was gaining momentum in my company but I was losing the things I valued most. And the verse from Matthew 8:36 rang so loudly in my soul.
What really matters…
What profit is it to gain the whole world, full of its fleeting riches and lose your soul? There is no profit, only loss. It is not worth it! Sister, your soul matters. Who you are matters. Your gift of just being who God created you to be matters. The world will tell us we need to be successful in the workplace, in the community, in school, at all times and at all costs, but that is a LIE. It is not worth it to lose your soul for the sake of gaining the world. Should we work hard and diligently as unto the Lord? YES! Should we do everything in excellence? YES! Should we have goals? YES! Should we focus on attaining and gaining so much so that it begins to cause significant loss in the most important areas of our lives? NO!
Pay attention to your soul. Are you feeding your soul with proper nutrition? Are you spending time seeking and listening for God to direct your paths and tell you who you really are? Or are you allowing the world to tell you what you should do and who you should be? The world will suck you in and leave you dry, chasing and striving, yet never reaching the place of true contentment that God wants you to experience. Paul said it best, “for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Phil 4:11-13. Stop striving to gain the world, stop striving to be perfect by the worlds standards. Who cares what the world thinks? Be who God called you to be, let your soul be free! The profits of this world pale in comparison to what God has in store for you. For what profit is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?