What is the most fulfilling thing you have ever done?

What is the most fulfilling thing you have ever done?

This question was asked to the world's wealthiest person, Bill Gates.

I can think of many ways he could have answered this question . . .

He could have responded:

• Co-founding Microsoft (which has become the largest PC software company in the world)

• Topping Forbes list of wealthiest people as the wealthiest person in the world with a net worth of $78.3 billion!

• Or maybe being named one of the 100 people who most influenced the 20th century by Time magazine.

All those accomplishments and you may be surprised at his answer . . .

In 1993, Gates pledged to give away 95 percent of his net worth. Bill and Melinda Gates said, “It’s the most fulfilling thing we’ve ever done.”

This is not surprising when you understand how we were really created to live and be fulfilled. God made each of us with this big void, and we spend our whole lives trying to fill it. God knows it’s there because He created us with it there. We do everything we can to fill that void, but nothing works. We think to ourselves, Man, if I could just live here or drive that, then I would be happy. But truthfully, would you really be happier if you had those things? 

Those things can’t bring you happiness because there will always be a bigger house and a newer car. Worldly success alone will not make you happy.

Isaiah 55:2 speaks about this: “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”

 

God doesn’t mind us having nice things. In fact, He loves to bless us with nice homes and cars. He just never intended for those things to be the object of our chase. He wants to be what we chase and what we thirst for. He is the only thing that can fill that empty void and bring us peace and happiness. He has a plan for you that is bigger than you, your family, and your success.

We are blessed by God to be a blessing to others. God gives each of us skills, passions, and experiences to carry out the mission He has for us. Over the years, we have helped thousands of people become financially free. We have learned that financial freedom had two parts. It’s freedom from something and freedom to something. Most people get excited about being freed from debt or a job they don’t like. But I get more excited about what God is freeing people TO. My question is always “What is your to?” All of us have a “to.” For some of us, our “to” is to be a missionary in Africa or to own a successful business. Perhaps your “to” is to be an elementary school teacher or to help feed hungry kids. 

It’s when we give of ourselves to something bigger than we are that we find true fulfillment. When we understand this concept as believers, we move from just having a successful life to living a life of significance. 

I believe God wants to bless your life. 

He wants to bless your relationships, your health, and your finances. But it’s not just for you. Why in the world would God set you free from your situation? There has to be something that would give your life more significance and purpose. What is He freeing you to? What can you give your life to? Making it your goal to give your life to benefiting others will be the most fulfilling thing you ever could do.