~The Difference Between "Drive" And "Driven"

There's a difference between "drive" and "driven" --
The one is selfish the other God-given.

For the driven man has but one goal,
Just worldly wealth and not riches of soul,

And daily he's spurred on to reach and attain
A higher position, more profit and gain,

Ambition and wealth become his great need
As daily he's driven by avarice and greed.

But, most blessed are they who use their drive
To work with zeal so all may survive,

For while they forfeit great personal gain,
Their work and their zeal are never in vain,

For they contribute to the whole human race,
And we cannot survive without growing in grace.

So help us, dear God to choose between
The driving forces that rule our routine

So we may make our purpose and goal
Not power and wealth but the growth of our soul.

And give us strength and drive and desire
To raise our standards and ethics higher

So all of us and not just a few
May live on earth as You want us to.

~Helen Steiner Rice