Define success.
In reflecting on these first 6 chapters of the book of the Preacher, Ecclesiastes, I see one main point made clearly: all is vanity under the sun. Meaning, nothing you do of your own, will satisfy you.
As long as you live, you are reaching for a goal. The target completion date of this goal: the day you die. Here's the twist: you don't know when you will die. What is your goal? What defines a "successful life?"
Through what I experience there are many views of life.
One view seems to be the "retirement" view. To me, this view says "put your life on hold, do what you have to so that you can retire and finally enjoy life."
There is also the "white picket fence plan" view: graduate college, get a great paying job, marry a beautiful godly woman, buy a house (with a white picket fence), have children, get a promotion, buy a bigger house, catch the big fish, remodel the camaro, buy a mac, retire, tour the world, die (leaving all your family a lot of stuff while they all cry playing "i can only imagine" at your funeral.)
There are many other views, but the fact is, Solomon, inspired of God in all his wisdom makes it very clear:
And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. (Ecclesiastes 2:16) (A rich and poor man look the same dead.)
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. (Ecclesiastes 5:15)
Jesus Christ tells us to - Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where you treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
Treasure Jesus.
My definition of success is this: to wholly serve the Lord my God. This is the goal at the end of the race.
Scripture Memory:
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon the earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
...be my portion
1 comment:
it's a great thing to hear a college student say their definition of success is to wholly serve the Lord my God. College is the place to go to lay the foundation for the house with a white picket fence, but I have a feeling God has BETTER things in store than what we could imagine as being successful.
of note: the white picket fence plan, has "buy a mac" in it.
and at least it wasn't a casting crowns song at the funeral..
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