wanted results

As a society, we naturally want results from whatever it is that we do. Getting results is a big reason on why people do things. We set goals to get results, we work to get results, we live to get results. Have you ever done something and got the results you wanted? Or on the other hand, have you ever done something and not got the results that you wanted,

With this post, I hope you become more aware of how you can always get results. Especially the results that you want.

When I think about the results that I am after, my motives play a really big role. Am I wanting to please just myself, others, or God? I often wrestle with that idea in my mind.

Whenever I have tried to get results that would just benefit me, I failed 99% of the time. The failure was not just me not getting the results I wanted, but I also wasn't fulfilled and I cut my self short because I was only focused on me.

I often reflect on my basketball career. I would rather play as hard as I can and score 2 points in a win, then play as hard as I can, score 25 points and loose. I was fortunate enough to accumulate a lot of wins since I first began playing basketball. Every team that I played on, for the most part, was focused on team success vs. individual praise. We knew that as long as we kept winning other people would notice.

In order to get the results that we want, we must keep Christ first in our lives. When you keep Christ first, you might not get the exact results that you want...but you are going to get results. That is what is most important. I have wanted to see many people I know come to Christ and play a part in their decision...has that happened the way that I wanted it to? Nope! I've seen it happen once and that is a result. Our timing will always be different than God's timing. I believe that even if we don't actually see a result, we will feel it. We will feel it because we are doing things for the right reason, and we are keeping God above all.

"You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results." (1 Thessalonians 2:1)

We can learn a lesson from Paul about how we can get results.

"For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests are hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed-God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles in Christ we could have asserted our authority. 
(1 Thessalonians 2:3-6)

When we speak as approved by God...we are trying to please God.

When we don't do things looking for praise from people, we are going to get results that are fulfilling and lasting.

Looking back at my college basketball career...we were 98-36 in the four years that I played, and I think I averaged 8 points. I was fulfilled looking back on it, because I know how many wins I was a part of, and the success we got to experience as a team.

Now If I averaged 25 and our record was flipped and we almost lost 100 games, I would look back and not be very fulfilled because we didn't have any success.

When you do things for a greater purpose, you are going to get results. I believe there are a lot of believers out there who are living their lives for Christ every day, but haven't really seen the results they wanted. I promise you, there are results. Don't be discouraged. I bet you are extremely fulfilled, and have a great relationship with God.

For those who aren't believers, if you want results in your life, start living for Christ and you will start to get results. You will begin to understand your purpose, why you were made, and why you are here on earth. Slowly, so many questions will be answered.

I believe the only way to know that we will always get results is to live our lives for Christ and not other people. To live a life for Christ you are going to have to put in the work...The best effort we can give is to read our bibles, pray, love God, and love others. Build up those habits, become disciplined, and you will get results.