People tell me I’m passionate about Jesus and the things of God. And they are right. I simply can’t help myself.

He is my passion.

So much so, I am willing to follow Him, even if it means saying goodbye to what is familiar.

Courtesy of Creative Commons

Which is what I did this weekend, after much prayer.

All this time, I have been following other people’s formula’s for success. I followed the “successful” people to build my platform, tribe, audience and subscribers.

Until God jolted me awake by allowing some disappointing incidences to occur with the people I was following. People I respected and admired.

God reminded me that He is a jealous God. He wanted me to quit idolizing them and stop following their prescriptions for success too.

He said, His ways are not their ways. He told me to follow Him.

I realize my calling isn’t going to be like other people.

What may have worked for these successful people, may not work for everyone and it doesn’t make them any less of a person either.

My husband reminded me the other day that I never felt comfortable with the whole platform and tribe building thing in the first place. I just settled and went along with it because everyone else was. But it was never my thing.

I didn’t start a blog or writing to build a platform, tribe or become someone famous or successful.

My whole purpose to writing and starting a blog was ministry. To use my gifts to the glory of God, to serve, help, encourage, inspire others and point them to Jesus. That’s it.

It was never my intention to build a big platform, tribe or write a book even. I just got caught up with the whole fervor of it by being part of an online community.

I love the community, but I lost my way.

My purpose is not to chase after anything or anyone or to strive at building a platform, tribe or to become successful by the world’s standard.

My purpose is to serve God with my life and to be a light in the darkness.

I want to live my life in such a way that people will recognize Jesus in me. I don’t want to be a phony, wishy washy, lacking backbone, hypocritical, compromising Christian.  

God has a calling on my life and I want to be obedient to Him.

I am already successful because He lives in me. He walks with me, He talks with me and He shows me the way.

How many Christians can say they hear from God or sense His presence?  

These are the riches the Bible talks about. He isn’t talking about financial prosperity or being successful as the world defines it.

His riches are spiritual.

I can say I’m rich in Him and I wouldn’t trade that for anything in this world. Nothing, absolutely nothing is worth it to me. I rather be a nobody for the rest of my life and have what I have in Him, then to be a somebody by the world’s standard and chasing after wind.

I do not want to be one of those people who Jesus says, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:23)

I want to be the one He says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

What about you?