I suppose that one of the greatest aspects concerning our human nature is… (1) our desire to have significance…and (2) our compelling drive for success! This heavy pressure for progress is felt in every single sector of our society, and is one whose energy originates from a couple of specific areas in particular.
Initially, it happens when we become cognizant of the talents and abilities which we, as unique individuals, possess. Then secondly, it is derived from what we see being accomplished in the lives of others with similar talents and abilities. As a result of these observations, we arrive at the notion that we too might also accomplish similar feats…given the same opportunity and resources to do so.
Then there is the force of love. We do what we do…because we hope to improve the situation of the people that we love…and those we care about the most. It has always amazed me to observe the hardships and difficulties which people endure in order to make a difference in the lives of those closest to them. They will work two or three different jobs for years upon end… just to give their child an opportunity to become the first person in their family to earn a college degree…or achieve something that completely elevates them to a new status in life!
“Where there is no counsel…people fall! Proverbs 14:11
However, as we continue to move forward…we are discovering more and more that sheer success is not the most important of goals. A perfect example of this can be found in the lives of high profile celebrities! This lifestyle is one constantly being thrown at us…and frankly…one which has created a strong delusion, or dream world…in which many live their lives. What is the result? Daily we read concerning the murders, suicides, debaucheries, white collar crimes, and addictions of every sort within the ranks of these folks...and sadly…also in the lives of those who idolize them. These are the same people who came to know success through the means of one, or all, of the aforementioned in the previous paragraphs.
Consequently, what element did their ambition, their talent, and their drive lack? The answer is wisdom! Some decisions need good counsel before they are made. Certainly, most of these folks surrounded themselves with counselors…however, unfortunately for them…only foolish ones. They procured for themselves hirelings…people who told them what they wanted to hear…not what they needed to hear! Therefore, inevitably, they stepped outside of the safety zone…and consequentially fell!
Let’s put all of this in perspective! Listen to what Jesus Christ was quoted as saying. “What would it profit a man if he were to gain the whole world…and yet…lose his soul? What would a man give in exchange for his soul?” What are we willing to lose, or even risk losing… just for the opportunity of success? I think that we should ask this very important question at the beginning of our journey . What do I hope to gain from this race? Can I obtain this crown… and at the same time maintain my integrity? Are you willing to risk the possibility of going to prison for a better retirement? What would we be willing to do … for a few million dollars? The sad fact is that too many in our society are willing to do way too much!
But in the midst of wisdom…there is safety! Proverbs 14:11
Wise and honest counselors are like walls that protect a city. They keep us safe and secure. When building your life…don’t forget to have the builders include strong walls, doors, and locks…fixed measures that will protect your most precious possessions from being stolen by the enemy. Make sure that the people who build them have a good reputation….that they esteem the most important areas of life…and not only the vain and empty ones. Vanity simply stated is…things of little importance. Which is more important…a man’s clothing or his body…a man’s house or his life…the future of his career , or the future of his children?
Finally. Given the talents with which we have been bestowed….let us all seek to be the very best that we can be! However, let us do it as safely as possible, so as to protect the things that we hold most dear!
This blog is sponsored by The Dream World Foundation. A foundation committed to establish the principles and values which create and sustain peaceful and free societies! Help us make a difference in one of our countries of great focus…Mexico! Your donation today will make a difference in the future of this beautiful and great nation! Simply go to: http://dreamcentermx.org/