Latest / Reborn w/ Antonio Boutros / Kingdom-Minded vs. Empire-Minded: Living for God's Purpose Over Personal Success

Transcript

Kingdom-Minded vs. Empire-Minded: Living for God's Purpose Over Personal Success · Reborn w/ Antonio Boutros

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: What's up, everyone?
• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome back to the Reborn Podcast, a show where we blend personal and spiritual development with entrepreneurship, leadership, and most importantly, faith.
• 0:12
  SPEAKER_00: I'm your host, Tony Boutras, and I am so excited to have you here today.
• 0:18
  SPEAKER_00: For those of you joining for the first time, let me quickly introduce myself.
• 0:22
  SPEAKER_00: I'm a 21-year-old entrepreneur, author in progress, uh based in Carmel, Indiana.
• 0:27
  SPEAKER_00: I've been through a lot mentally, physically, emotionally, but the real turning point for me came when I gave my life to Christ in October of 2023.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: Since then, everything has changed.
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: I was baptized on April 7th, 2024, and just recently delivered my first sermon on July 7th.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_00: By the time you're hearing this, I've probably put at least another one or two messages or done another one or two sermons.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but my first sermon was on 7-7.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: Super cool uh because I've seen my baptism was on 4-7, and 7 is a holy number, uh, the number of completion.
• 1:05
  SPEAKER_00: So really, really cool.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: Uh that number 7 has always had special meaning to me.
• 1:09
  SPEAKER_00: It's God's number, and in many ways, it marks a new beginning in my life.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_00: In today's episode, I want to talk about one of the most valuable lessons I've learned, one that's shaped my journey as an entrepreneur, a leader, and most importantly, as a follower of Christ.
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_00: We'll break down how shifting your identity from worldly ambitions to a Christ-centered purpose is the ultimate game changer.
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_00: So if you're out there grinding, building your brand, working on your goals, but still feel like there's something is missing, this one's for you.
• 1:43
  SPEAKER_00: Let me start with a little bit of context about my journey.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: For a long time, I hustled, I worked commission-based jobs with no safety net and zero-based pay.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: I ran around in circles trying to start a business, and there were moments I felt stuck like I was grinding just to survive and not to grow.
• 2:02
  SPEAKER_00: In February 2024, I launched my business, but just a couple months ago, I made a decision that shook everything up, and I shut it down.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: The reason why is because I realized I was called to something bigger.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: I decided to go all in on my true calling, sharing my testimony, writing my book, and building a personal development community focused on spiritual growth and overcoming isolation, depression, anxiety, uh issues that I had struggled with growing up.
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: I am also a public speaker and uh love to pour into others, and it's also uh I'm I'm very, very mindful of also having being poured into so that I may uh have my cup full at all times because you cannot give what you do not have.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_00: Now, don't get me wrong, I've got big ambitions, and I used to say I wanted to be a trillionaire, and hey, I still think big, but here's the thing the deeper I dive into my faith, the more I realize that it's not about wealth, it's about growing in Christ.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_00: I found a purpose that runs deeper than any financial success or entrepreneurial win.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: One of the biggest lessons I've learned is this the world defines success through external markers, money, status, achievements.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: But God defines success through obedience and faithfulness.
• 3:36
  SPEAKER_00: In Matthew 6 and 33, Jesus says, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: This verse changed everything for me.
• 3:47
  SPEAKER_00: Instead of chasing after wealth or validation, I shifted my focus to seeking the kingdom of God.
• 3:54
  SPEAKER_00: And what happens when we do that?
• 3:56
  SPEAKER_00: Everything else, the things we stress over, fall into place in God's turn.
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_00: It's so easy to get up, get get caught up in the hustle, especially when you're young and ambitious like I am.
• 4:11
  SPEAKER_00: But the hustle without a holy purpose is hollow.
• 4:17
  SPEAKER_00: That was me.
• 4:19
  SPEAKER_00: Chasing money, building a business, trying to prove my worth.
• 4:25
  SPEAKER_00: I used to think my identity was wrapped up in being an entrepreneur or even a gym bro.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_00: I'm sure some of you can relate to that grinding every day, but feeling empty inside.
• 4:36
  SPEAKER_00: When I place my identity in Christ, everything changed.
• 4:40
  SPEAKER_00: My value no longer came from what I accomplished, but from what God Christ has already accomplished for me.
• 4:48
  SPEAKER_00: I want to share another verse that really speaks to this.
• 4:52
  SPEAKER_00: Matthew 16 and 26.
• 4:56
  SPEAKER_00: What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul?
• 5:02
  SPEAKER_00: Or what what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
• 5:08
  SPEAKER_00: This was really hit me hard because I realized that for years I've been chasing the world, chasing money, chasing power, and chasing influence, thinking that's where I'd find fulfillment.
• 5:21
  SPEAKER_00: But in the end, I was forfeiting my soul.
• 5:24
  SPEAKER_00: It wasn't until I started seeking God first that I understood what true fulfillment looks like.
• 5:31
  SPEAKER_00: Now let's get practical.
• 5:33
  SPEAKER_00: Here are a few lessons that I've learned that I think can help you in both your personal growth and your entrepreneurial journey.
• 5:41
  SPEAKER_00: Obedience over ambition.
• 5:44
  SPEAKER_00: As entrepreneurs, we're taught to grind, hustle, and make things happen.
• 5:49
  SPEAKER_00: But in God's kingdom, obedience is more important than ambition.
• 5:53
  SPEAKER_00: Sometimes the best thing you can do is surrender your plans and allow God to lead.
• 5:59
  SPEAKER_00: Proverbs 16 and 9 says, in their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
• 6:10
  SPEAKER_00: I had to let go of my initial business to focus on my calling.
• 6:14
  SPEAKER_00: And while that was a tough decision, it was the best one I ever made.
• 6:19
  SPEAKER_00: And at the end of the day, truthfully, I tell you, it was really an easy decision because I knew what the Lord was calling me to.
• 6:30
  SPEAKER_00: I had taken four days off from work, and that's something I I very, very, very seldom do, uh, very rare.
• 6:39
  SPEAKER_00: I typically I work six days a week, but I took out four days, and by the end of it, I just had so much clarity on this is where he's calling me to be.
• 6:47
  SPEAKER_00: And I double down on my speaking, my writing, my podcasting, and building my community, or our really our community.
• 6:55
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, because it's not a community, if it's just mine.
• 6:57
  SPEAKER_00: So um, redemptive business through servant leadership.
• 7:04
  SPEAKER_00: If you're running a business, I encourage you to adopt a mindset of servant leadership.
• 7:09
  SPEAKER_00: Jesus led by serving others.
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_00: Mark 10 and 45 reminds us for even a son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as ransom for many.
• 7:23
  SPEAKER_00: He who wants to be first should be last.
• 7:29
  SPEAKER_00: Your success should be defined by how well you serve your community, your clients, and your team.
• 7:35
  SPEAKER_00: When you lead with humility and grace, you not only honor God, but create a business that's built to last.
• 7:42
  SPEAKER_00: And lastly, your purpose is greater than profit.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_00: In a world that celebrates profit and power, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more.
• 7:52
  SPEAKER_00: But I've learned that true success comes from aligning your business and your life with God's purpose.
• 7:58
  SPEAKER_00: Money will come and go, but a life lived for Christ will leave an eternal impact.
• 8:06
  SPEAKER_00: I'll be very real with you all.
• 8:08
  SPEAKER_00: This journey has not been easy.
• 8:11
  SPEAKER_00: There were times when I felt like giving up, but what kept me going was knowing that my identity is not in the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
• 8:18
  SPEAKER_00: It's in Christ.
• 8:21
  SPEAKER_00: In Luke 7 and 41 to 43, Jesus tells a parable about two people who owe debts.
• 8:27
  SPEAKER_00: One owed much, the other owed little.
• 8:30
  SPEAKER_00: Both debts were forgiven, but the one who is forgiven much loved much.
• 8:36
  SPEAKER_00: I relate to that.
• 8:37
  SPEAKER_00: I've made my share of mistakes.
• 8:39
  SPEAKER_00: There were times where I put my faith in the wrong things, my business, my body, my bank account.
• 8:45
  SPEAKER_00: Uh but God forgave me.
• 8:47
  SPEAKER_00: And now I live my life out of that gratitude.
• 8:50
  SPEAKER_00: I love much because I've been forgiven much.
• 8:54
  SPEAKER_00: That's why I'm so passionate about helping others find their purpose in Christ, because I've been there, I've seen both sides, and I truly know what truly matters.
• 9:10
  SPEAKER_00: Alright.
• 9:11
  SPEAKER_00: Here are a few takeaways for you today.
• 9:15
  SPEAKER_00: Number one, place your identity in Christ.
• 9:17
  SPEAKER_00: Your worth is not defined by your business, your bank account, or your status.
• 9:23
  SPEAKER_00: It's defined by the fact that you are a child of God.
• 9:28
  SPEAKER_00: Live in that truth, and everything else will fall into place.
• 9:32
  SPEAKER_00: Number two, lead with purpose.
• 9:35
  SPEAKER_00: Whether you're an entrepreneur or a leader in another space, make sure you're leading with purpose.
• 9:40
  SPEAKER_00: Your business should be a reflection of your values and your faith.
• 9:45
  SPEAKER_00: And number three, trust in God's timing.
• 9:49
  SPEAKER_00: You might have big dreams, and that is amazing.
• 9:53
  SPEAKER_00: But remember, God's timing is perfect.
• 9:57
  SPEAKER_00: Be patient and trust that He is working all things together for your good.
• 10:03
  SPEAKER_00: All right.
• 10:04
  SPEAKER_00: Before we wrap up, I want to hit on one question I get a lot.
• 10:09
  SPEAKER_00: Tony, how do you keep going when it feels like nothing is working?
• 10:14
  SPEAKER_00: My answer is faith.
• 10:19
  SPEAKER_00: When things aren't working, I press into my faith.
• 10:25
  SPEAKER_00: I remind myself that God's plans are bigger than mine.
• 10:30
  SPEAKER_00: Romans 8 and 28 says, and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.
• 10:41
  SPEAKER_00: You might not see it now, but God is always working behind the scenes.
• 10:47
  SPEAKER_00: That's it for today, guys.
• 10:49
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you so much for joining me on the Rerun Podcast.
• 10:51
  SPEAKER_00: I hope this episode helps you understand that success is more than just money or status.
• 10:57
  SPEAKER_00: It's about living a life that's aligned with God's purpose for you.
• 11:01
  SPEAKER_00: If you enjoyed this episode, do me a favor, share it with someone who you know who needs this message.
• 11:10
  SPEAKER_00: And don't forget to join our free community where we dive deeper into these topics and grow together in faith and purpose.
• 11:18
  SPEAKER_00: You'll find the link in the show notes below.
• 11:20
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, keep growing, keep leading, and keep your eyes on Christ.