Called or Driven? Part 2

This summer I am teaching a new course (for me) called Spirituality and Leadership. One of the books I have assigned for the class is the Gordon MacDonald classic, Ordering Your Private World.

In this book he discusses an important distinction between people that are driven and those who are called. According to MacDonald, “driven people often project a bravado of confidence as they forge ahead with their achievement-oriented life plan. But often, at moments when it is least expected, adversities and obstructions conspire, and there can be a personal collapse. Called people, on the other hand, possess strength from within, a quality of perseverance and power that are impervious to the blows from without.”

MacDonald identifies many symptoms of driven people:

> A driven person is most often gratified only by accomplishment.
> A driven person is preoccupied with the symbols of accomplishment.
> A driven person is usually caught in the uncontrolled pursuit of expansion.
> Driven people tend to have a limited regard for integrity.
> Driven people are not likely to bother themselves with the honing of people skills.
> Driven people tend to be highly competitive.
> A driven person often possesses a volcanic force of anger.
> Driven people are usually abnormally busy, are averse to play, and usually avoid spiritual worship.

Called people are qualitatively different.

> Called people understand stewardship. Careers, assets, natural and spiritual gifts, and health are merely managed in the name of the One who gave them. Driven people consider them owned.

> Called people know exactly who they are … and who they aren’t.

> Called people possess an unwavering sense of purpose.

> Called people practice an unswerving sense of commitment.


Are you called or are you driven?