Our Lifeonaire events are usually teeming with people who come up (both during and shortly after the event) eager to tell us how groundbreaking and game-changing what they’re learning is to them. Based on what they experience over just a few hours with us, they now feel certain that something needs to change in their lives, and compelled to say something to us about it.
We also get this from people after reading Lifeonaire—many who read it are so blown away with how much of it relates to the various aspects of their own lives, they can’t help but say something about it.
They learn something unexpected and new, and now see a clear, practical path towards prosperity simplified and towards living an extraordinary life. And they, too, feel it resonates so much that they just have to say something about it.
And being completely honest, it does make me feel really good to hear these things. These ‘pats on the back’ make me feel like we did a great job, and like the events really are a success.
I mean, virtually everyone who gains an understanding of what Lifeonaire really means, ends up feeling convicted and hungry for something better—the message clearly strikes a chord and resonates when it gets across.
So, that’s a great success…. right?
Well, maybe not so much. Let me explain…
If my/our goal is to simply (i) share the Lifeonaire concept and message, and (ii) have people feel convicted by it, then—absolutely—it’s a solid success.
But I have to tell you, that goal feels awfully empty to me when I think about it.
It turns out that sharing a life-changing message is rather easy to do.
I’m surrounded by people asking me to work harder to share Lifeonaire with the masses. And I must confess, there are times this idea seems really appealing to me.
People love the Lifeonaire message, but…
…do they love it enough to actually apply it to their lives?
Let’s think about that for a minute:
Many people find the big idea and core values of Lifeonaire very compelling and are convicted by the message. But then, only a few take action and actually live it. On hearing it, most people say with their mouth that they love Lifeonaire and its message… but just not enough to move the needle in their real lives for some reason.
So basically, I see many people easily becoming great “fans” and Lifeonaire “cheerleaders”—people who seem to really admire and endorse the message, and will often even share it with others, but won’t actually live it themselves.
But when push comes to shove, only a fraction of those people end up willing to actually take action, make some hard decisions and changes in their lives, and go all-in with creating a Vision for their life. Only some are willing to take some bold steps into into living their life like a Lifeonaire.
For the “fans”, it seems like a great idea, and it’s good enough for others, but ultimately not really for them.
Which begs the question…
Do they they really believe in the message?
Anyone who knows me, knows that my faith runs deep, and I can’t help but think of two men in the Bible who’re stark examples of the contrast I just described.
Both of these men heard a life-changing message, but had two very different responses to it. Both were moved by the message—they both felt authentically convicted by it. But only one was willing to take action on it, while the other man found the short-term price of taking action to be too costly.
A Rich Young Ruler…
You can read his short story here… (1-2 mins)
This man knew that he’d heard a life changing message—he felt an undeniable conviction.
I imagine he probably said to Jesus something like,
“Hey, I loved your message, it was great—just what I needed to hear!
We know that he asked,
“What should I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus gave him some bold actions to take—he told him exactly what he needed to do. He was told to sell everything he had, give it to the poor, and to follow Jesus.
Jesus could see beyond his question and into his heart. He knew that this man’s “god” was his own success and wealth. And he knew that in order for this rich young man to gain the life-change he was being drawn to, he would first need to do a “hard reset” on his core values, and demonstrate a willingness to no longer serve the thing he’d built his whole life on up to that point.
It was not what he wanted to hear. It was too difficult, in fact, and more than this young man could handle. So, instead of taking action and moving forward, he got sad and walked away.
Many people feel convicted by a “good idea” that really resonates with them But few are willing to pay the price of making the hard decision and painful changes needed. So, they end up compromising and not following through with taking the needed actions.
The truth is, Jesus loved this young man, but he didn’t go running after him. He didn’t say “Wait! Take action!” Jesus shared the truth—a truly life-changing message—which the young man heard and was deeply convicted by.
But then he chose not to take action on it in the end. The cost felt too high for him.
Tax Man Zack…
On the other hand Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, heard about this life changing message and pursued Jesus as well. You can read his short story here… (1-2 mins)
Like the rich, young ruler, Zacchaeus also felt convicted by it. But his response was completely different.
He recognized himself that the “success” he’d built his life on what temporary, and needed to be ‘dethroned’ in his own life. He eagerly volunteered to take some massive, bold action and step forward into this new life he felt deeply convicted by.
He didn’t let the “high cost” of his conviction hold him back, and even said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
Same Message, Different Response
Jesus shared a life-changing message with both of these men. Both felt the message deeply resonated with them. They both felt the message was life-changing… but when push came to shove, only one of them was willing to actually take some bold, life-changing steps forward.
Which of these two are you?
If you’ve come to one of our Lifeonaire events or you read the book, and you think the message is great, please say ‘thank you’ by taking some bold actions in your own life, rather than feeling convicted, but doing nothing with it. Let these great ideas move you from admiration to action… from being a “fan” or “cheerleader” to becoming a Lifeonaire.
Are you willing to take action with your convictions? Or, will you just “love the message” and think your convictions change your life? One receives great reward, the other misses out.
I’d love to hear any thoughts or comments you might have below.