“What drives you?” That question was recently posed to St. Louis Cardinal’s first baseman, Albert Pujols. The three-time league MVP appeared on ESPN The Magazine’s cover for his many accomplishments on and off the field. His benevolence has drawn the attention of millions as he actively gives back to “the poorest of the poor” with both his time and monies. His ability to go against the cultural grain of self gratification has brought many to question not only his example but their own lives as well.
I think of other athletes driven to succeed: I think of the likes of former boxer “Lights Out” James Toney who was driven to box at the highest level as a result of his incredible anger towards his father. I think of Ted Williams who sought the notoriety of being known as the “best hitter to ever play the game.” I think of countless collegiate athletes every year vying for a lucrative professional contract. And I reminisce on the many others who have regretfully used extreme and illegal means to “succeed.”
I think of those aforementioned, and then I think of myself. At times I question, “What drives me?” Is it the ladder of success? Is it public approval? Is it for my own benefit? Each of those questions I must periodically answer truthfully, and ultimately be true not only to myself, but to my Creator as well. Henri J.M. Nouwen states, “We seldom realize fully that we are sent to fulfill God-given tasks. We act as if we were simply dropped down in creation and have to decide to entertain ourselves until we die.” But we were sent into the world by God, just as Jesus was. Once we start living our lives with intentionality and this proper perspective, we will soon properly channel the question, “What drives you?" And rather formulate the question into, “Who drives you?” It is then, by daily relying on God and living for Him alone (Deut. 6:5), that we can begin to know what we were sent to do.