“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”
— Philippians 3:19–21 NIV

I want to have a family one day and be able to support them well. I want to be a leader who can provide for my future family and give them a good life.

Because of that, I’ve told myself that I need to work harder, build more, and make more money. I start thinking about what would be desirable for me and my future family—a beautiful house, a boat, a nice car, financial freedom.

But I can get so caught up in those desires.

And sometimes I convince myself that those desires are selfless because I’m doing it “for my future family.”

But am I really?

I’m 21 years old, engaged, building a business, and involved in ministry. I genuinely love building a business. I love creating things, leading people, and dreaming about what something could become.

But lately, I’ve felt further from God than I have in a long time.

I’ve been asking myself, “Where did God go?”

And the truth is, God didn’t go anywhere.

I got distracted.

I kept telling myself, “This is just a season. I’m busy right now. I’m building something. I’ll slow down eventually.”

But then I started wondering: If I continue living like this, will it really only be a season?

At some point, I have to put a stop to it.

And this is me being vulnerable.

I want to build something great. I want to build businesses that bless people. I want to create wealth that can be used generously. I want to leave something behind for my family.

But my business is not my identity.

And building an empire is not my calling.

My identity is in Christ.

My calling is to know Jesus and make Him known.

That brings me to my vision.

It sounds simple, but it has been complicated in my mind because I don’t want to confuse selfish ambition with godly ambition.

And I realize how easily I can mix the two.

I know Scripture talks about providing for your family. I know working hard, planning for the future, building something, and creating wealth are not automatically wrong.

But I also know my heart.

Something that begins as “I want to provide for my family” can slowly turn into “I want more.”

A bigger house.

A nicer vehicle.

More money.

More recognition.

More success.

More comfort.

And before I realize it, the blessing becomes the goal instead of God.

Philippians 3 convicted me deeply.

“Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven.”

That forced me to ask myself:

What is my mind actually set on?

I don’t want to spend my life building something that looks impressive on earth but means nothing for eternity.

I want to build a dynasty—but not one centered around money, houses, cars, businesses, or possessions.

I want to build something based on the character of God.

Something life-giving.

Something that points people toward Jesus.

Something that blesses my future wife, my future children, my employees, my church, my community, and everyone God allows me to influence.

That means some of my fleshly desires have to die.

I have to stop looking to money, success, possessions, and achievement for the comfort that only God can give me.

I have to set my mind on what is above and what is eternal.

Because one day I am going to die.

I cannot take my business with me.

I cannot take my house with me.

I cannot take my truck, investments, accomplishments, or possessions with me.

But the way I loved people matters.

The way I led my family matters.

The way I served God matters.

The people I pointed toward Jesus matter.

So I still want to build.

I still want to work hard.

I still love business.

I still want to provide an incredible life for my future family.

But I need a different vision.

I don’t want success to be the destination anymore. I want success to be a tool that I surrender to God.

My prayer now is simple:

God, help me build what You want me to build.

Give me godly ambition instead of selfish ambition.

Teach me to work hard without worshiping my work.

Teach me to make money without loving money.

Teach me to lead without needing recognition.

Teach me to provide for my family without making possessions our purpose.

Help me crucify the desires that pull me away from You and replace them with desires that reflect Your heart.

God, lead me, because I cannot do this on my own.

I need You now more than ever.

I still love my job.

I still love building.

I just need to change my vision.