What Do I Really Want?

There is much to discern about what is true, a conspiracy theory, or narrative propaganda from an intentionally deceptive source. We naturally assume personal objectivity in reviewing the news and wonder why we reach different conclusions. Self-deception is the one place we haven’t looked, and it’s a major factor. Marketing is a form of propaganda that intentionally plays on the desires of your heart which can be carnal or delusional. The sad reality is that I am susceptible to deception in the area of my heart’s desires… wanting my life to go well. There are two worthwhile quotes from Why do we deceive Ourselves?

We use self-deception, or denial when we allow ourselves to maintain false or unvalidated beliefs.
Psychologically, lying to ourselves is an act of self-defense or enhancement.

Examples – There are some great historic examples from each of our lives that can serve as reference points to finger current deceptive themes. Our past deceptions are clues to our current vulnerability. Here are a few of my own.

Rapture – I want to be rescued instead of giving my life for Reformation of my Business, City, Nation.
Fame – I want a microphone, attention, and authority before I’ve found my purpose, made a noteworthy contribution, or have a demand for what I have to say.
Money – I want to give so that God miraculously overflows my cup, apart from value-added or worth paid for. (Give and it shall be given, windows of heaven)
Fear of Man/Praise of Men – I want everyone to like me, support me, and applaud me. If Father asks me to do something, I have to get back to him after a vote, trading the favor of men for the favor of God.

What’s the common denominator in our deceptions? They all clothed a self-ish desire, a theological construct to leverage God for something I want. Manipulating for miracles doesn’t work! It’s delusion’s foundation.

What Do I really want? – What would my life be like if I was wealthy, famous, retired, and safe on my tropical island? Is that what I really desire from God? After thinking about it, I decided there is something better and more eternal that we can embrace now. Clue – it’s not offered in the allure of typical marketing campaigns that promise wealth, fame, and plenty of free time for vacations. We are marketing the cross and living Jesus’ example – If I be lifted up, I will draw all men.

Money – I would rather add value and be paid for worth than win the lottery, get my Gesara check, or inherit a windfall. (Pro 30:7-9, Ps 49:16-17, Mt 6:19-24, Heb 13:5)
Visibility – I would rather have trials with opportunities to be heroic than be given a no-fail assignment, unlimited power, or an unmerited promotion. (Ps 75:6-7, Mt 23:11, 1Pet 5:6)
Time – I would rather have a relevant role (Book) than be retired with unlimited time. It’s in my heart to make a meaningful contribution (Pro 12:24-28, 19:15). Time and money don’t define freedom.
Risk & Spiritual Warfare – I am willing to go through valleys to pursue Father’s purpose. I am not afraid of failure, adventure, or promotion. I’m OK with the reality that not everything God takes me through is comfortable, easy, or risk-free. I want to do what Father is doing because it fits who I am and because it’s fun; it is my dream too. (Jn 16:33, Rom 8:37-39, 1Cor 10:13)

God does do miracles – Why do they happen? God does intervene in these four areas and many more. He does it for people who carry His purpose, not just their own. He co-labors with people who do their part.

Even unmerited favor has a purpose
I’m in line for favor, when I’m aligned with Father’s purpose.

Bottom line – Faith is not shopping for a handout; our future is not premised on a leap, a windfall, or a bonanza. We’re aligning ourselves with God’s purpose wherever that leads, and whatever it takes. I’m not attaching strings to manipulate my Father. I’m not comparing or competing with others. I am saying, Here am I, send me into your purpose.

It’s not really about all my goals, vision, mission, values, aspirations, strategies, tactics, and tools. There is something much better. I’m building a business that will have a smooth transition into eternity. I really can store up treasures in Heaven now, it’s business wisdom to do so. What works for heaven works even better on earth. It’s my new Key Performance Indicator (KPI): Is Father doing this? (Jn 5:19)

Ps 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. NIV

Co-laboring – When we make room for the miraculous by doing what Father is doing.

Holistic Coaching – We help businesses transition to the joy and prosperity of a Kingdom business culture by leveraging your unique purpose to ignite your staff and customers. The fun begins when you discover the why God wrote in your heart(s). We marry the cultural and practical side of sound business practices. Cash flow comes from a well-motivated, engaged staff culture and a wisely managed business built on a purpose already written in hearts. We have the resources to help you shift the culture and respond to the challenges.

There are two places to start: