10 Things
Before winning the 2025 British Open and dominating in every aspect of the golfing world, Scottie Scheffler said in a press conference leading up to the tournament:
"This is not a fulfilling life. It's fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it's not fulfilling from the sense of the deepest places of your heart."
Accomplishment and fulfillment are two very different things. Accomplishment comes from what you do. Fulfillment comes from who you do life with. When we mix those two up, and we often do, we end up living lives that are never content, never satisfied, and never at peace.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” —Matthew 16:26 (NLT)
One morning during sabbatical, as I was communing with God, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to write down 10 things we have accomplished as a church over the last 10 years of my time as senior pastor. It didn’t take long to jot down the list. And to be honest, it lifted my attitude a little. A lot has happened! God has been so faithful and amazing in these 10 years.
But then He asked me a question: “Aaron, how much of that has brought joy and fulfillment?”
My response? None of it.
Sure, those things brought accomplishment. But accomplishment often came with more pressure, more problems, and only fleeting satisfaction. I rarely stopped to celebrate the wins. Instead, I just moved on to the next one.
Then the Holy Spirit prompted me to write down 10 things we’ve accomplished in our marriage and family. That list didn’t take long either: the trip to Disney with the kids, celebrating our 20th Anniversary trip together, the deep friendships we’ve cultivated, the literal dreams that have come true for us as a family.
And then He asked again: “Aaron, how much of that has brought joy and fulfillment?”
With tears in my eyes, I whispered: All of it.
In a culture obsessed with title, success, and recognition, it’s easy to chase accomplishments while overlooking what already brings true fulfillment. Many times, what we are striving to obtain is already ours, if only we would water it instead of chasing something else to fill us.
I think this is what Jesus was saying: What good is it if you accomplish great things, build an impressive life, and yet lose yourself in the process? What good is it to look successful on the outside but still live thirsty, unsatisfied, and empty on the inside?
Not long after Scottie’s comments, Tom Brady (another GOAT) chimed in by questioning why family and career success should be seen as mutually exclusive. He argued that his dedication to football was also a way of showing his family what success requires. Perhaps Tom had a point. But the reality is that his words and his life haven’t always aligned. By trying to have it all, he lost something priceless.
I think Scottie would trade trophies and fame in a moment to keep his family close. And I think Jesus was pointing us to the same truth: accomplishments may look impressive, but fulfillment is found in relationships—first with Him, then with those closest to us.
Accomplishment vs. Fulfillment | What I Do vs. Who I Do Life With
At the end of the day, titles will fade, trophies will gather dust, and applause will grow quiet. But the people God has given us—the ones we walk with, laugh with, cry with—those relationships are eternal. Fulfillment isn’t about building something impressive; it’s about being fully present with God and with the people He’s placed in our lives.
So maybe the greater question is not What did I achieve? but rather, Who did I love well along the way?
Journal | Where am I chasing accomplishments that give me pressure but not fulfillment? How can I intentionally invest in relationships that bring lasting joy and reflect the heart of Jesus?
Prayer | Lord, thank You for reminding me that fulfillment is not found in what I accomplish but in who I walk with. Forgive me for the times I’ve chased success at the expense of relationships. Help me invest in my family, my friendships, and most importantly, my walk with You. Teach me to celebrate the small moments, to be fully present, and to find joy in the gifts You’ve already given me. Amen.
"This is not a fulfilling life. It's fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it's not fulfilling from the sense of the deepest places of your heart."
Accomplishment and fulfillment are two very different things. Accomplishment comes from what you do. Fulfillment comes from who you do life with. When we mix those two up, and we often do, we end up living lives that are never content, never satisfied, and never at peace.
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” —Matthew 16:26 (NLT)
One morning during sabbatical, as I was communing with God, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to write down 10 things we have accomplished as a church over the last 10 years of my time as senior pastor. It didn’t take long to jot down the list. And to be honest, it lifted my attitude a little. A lot has happened! God has been so faithful and amazing in these 10 years.
But then He asked me a question: “Aaron, how much of that has brought joy and fulfillment?”
My response? None of it.
Sure, those things brought accomplishment. But accomplishment often came with more pressure, more problems, and only fleeting satisfaction. I rarely stopped to celebrate the wins. Instead, I just moved on to the next one.
Then the Holy Spirit prompted me to write down 10 things we’ve accomplished in our marriage and family. That list didn’t take long either: the trip to Disney with the kids, celebrating our 20th Anniversary trip together, the deep friendships we’ve cultivated, the literal dreams that have come true for us as a family.
And then He asked again: “Aaron, how much of that has brought joy and fulfillment?”
With tears in my eyes, I whispered: All of it.
In a culture obsessed with title, success, and recognition, it’s easy to chase accomplishments while overlooking what already brings true fulfillment. Many times, what we are striving to obtain is already ours, if only we would water it instead of chasing something else to fill us.
I think this is what Jesus was saying: What good is it if you accomplish great things, build an impressive life, and yet lose yourself in the process? What good is it to look successful on the outside but still live thirsty, unsatisfied, and empty on the inside?
Not long after Scottie’s comments, Tom Brady (another GOAT) chimed in by questioning why family and career success should be seen as mutually exclusive. He argued that his dedication to football was also a way of showing his family what success requires. Perhaps Tom had a point. But the reality is that his words and his life haven’t always aligned. By trying to have it all, he lost something priceless.
I think Scottie would trade trophies and fame in a moment to keep his family close. And I think Jesus was pointing us to the same truth: accomplishments may look impressive, but fulfillment is found in relationships—first with Him, then with those closest to us.
Accomplishment vs. Fulfillment | What I Do vs. Who I Do Life With
At the end of the day, titles will fade, trophies will gather dust, and applause will grow quiet. But the people God has given us—the ones we walk with, laugh with, cry with—those relationships are eternal. Fulfillment isn’t about building something impressive; it’s about being fully present with God and with the people He’s placed in our lives.
So maybe the greater question is not What did I achieve? but rather, Who did I love well along the way?
Journal | Where am I chasing accomplishments that give me pressure but not fulfillment? How can I intentionally invest in relationships that bring lasting joy and reflect the heart of Jesus?
Prayer | Lord, thank You for reminding me that fulfillment is not found in what I accomplish but in who I walk with. Forgive me for the times I’ve chased success at the expense of relationships. Help me invest in my family, my friendships, and most importantly, my walk with You. Teach me to celebrate the small moments, to be fully present, and to find joy in the gifts You’ve already given me. Amen.
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