What It Yielded
There is so much pressure to produce. In business, it’s about hitting benchmarks, KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) and not only out producing your YTD (Year To Date) numbers but those of your competitors. In families, there can be sibling rivalry where kids compete for their parent’s attention or approval or love. There is always another level to the game.
In an episode of a show I’ve been watching, two guys are on a blind double date with two girls. They take the girls to an arcade where the guys get lost in their favorite game. After a while the girls get tired of being ignored and tell the guys they are leaving. The guys continue to intensely play their game telling the girls they are on the unachievable tenth and final level of their game. However, they win level ten and the game doesn’t end, there is another level; probably endless levels!
The focus is on more, work harder, get to the next level, hit the mark. It’s the hamster wheel, treadmill mentality, to wash, rinse, repeat until the goal has been met. However, like the arcade game, there is always another mark, more to produce. The hamster wheel will keep turning and the treadmill will continue to roll as long as you give energy to it.
The scripture verse about the vineyard worker in Isaiah 5:1-7 does all the right things. He waters, fertilizes, and prunes the vines but the grapes are wild. Isaiah is not talking about a vineyard; he’s talking about God. God created a perfect place, provided food and an abundant, leisurely existence. However, starting with Adam and Eve and each person since them; WILD!
I believe it’s because of this first betrayal of God, the original sin, it’s human nature to try to overcome it by working harder and striving to do and be better. It’s a drive to stand out, to be seen and win God’s favor.
Though, in reality, God already favors everything he created. In Genesis’ retelling of creation, God looked at each thing he created and said “it is good” and then to the man and woman, he said, “very good.” Then as though that wasn’t enough, he also sent his son, Jesus to affirm how much he favors us over the rest of his creations.
For God it is not about how much is produced, what is achieved, or any other tangible thing you can count and show on an annual report. God’s goal is to yield love. Love given and received, not exchanged like money for a transaction for goods and services, but no strings attached love.
One of my favorite podcasts is School of Greatness with Louis Howes. At the end of each interview, Louis asks his guest two final questions. First, what are your three truths and second, what is your definition of greatness. I love to listen to people’s answers to the three truths question because you really get to see inside, what the person values the most. In their responses, you hear their authenticity (or lack thereof) and you see their heart.
To me, this is what God is looking for more of in the world. He doesn’t care about how much money is made or how many followers, likes, comments or blue checks you have; it’s how much you loved. And not who you loved, but how you loved. Did you love authentically? Did you love those who are like you AND those who don’t look like you, talk like you or believe what you believe? This is what counts to God.
I am especially moved and motivated by the song, Legacy by Nicole Nordeman. The lyrics lay out my personal mission statement and perhaps what I believe God will measure me by when I leave this earth. It will be an account of my life, how I showed love, compassion and mercy to others. This song wraps up, to me what I believe God desires, this is my benchmark!
