Every human being is wired to seek meaning. God designed us that way. It doesn’t take faith in Jesus to desire a greater purpose in life.
In America in 2022, there are endless outlets for people to find meaning: their faith, their hobbies, political interests, and most appropriately for this conversation: their jobs.
Webster defines “Careerism” as “the policy or practice of advancing one’s career often at the cost of one’s integrity.” In other words, when a person’s job is the ultimate outlet for their meaning, even at the expense of their character. This danger is real for a lot of us, even Christ followers: being so attune to one’s career arc that we’re willing to sacrifice anything to achieve.
Since we all desire meaning, the question for Jesus followers is: do we have different goals than those who don’t follow Him?
As Christ-followers, we should look different in regards to how we seek meaning in life.
Achievement, or success, is not significance. You can acquire multiple healthy bank accounts and respect in the marketplace – and still be devoid of fulfillment. Time and time again we see this pitfall around us, yet despite our awareness, we are ALL still susceptible to the allure of worldly success.
We have some Biblical guidance on this, at least as a cautionary tale: the life of King Solomon. Solomon was the son of David and the builder of the first great temple in Israel. By all accounts, Solomon was transcendently wise and notoriously wealthy. God blessed Solomon in both spiritual and material ways. God told Solomon:
I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.
And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”
1 Kings 3: 10-14
Unfortunately, Solomon didn’t walk in obedience, and ended up descending into complete materialism. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we see Solomon’s sad decline into spiritual doubt amidst all his possessions. He even questions the meaning of life as he neared his death, lamenting his own success.
As Christ-followers, we should be aware that Solomon’s moral path could be any of ours. Solomon didn’t lack an awareness of God. He got so enamored with his own success that he sacrificed significance.
It’s easy to miss the mark when we get caught in the waterfall of achievement. The attraction is all around us, especially in our LinkedIn feeds.
A point of clarity: significance doesn’t mean discarding your career; quite the opposite. I believe it mainly requires an adjustment in what you find your career to be about. If it’s about promotions, salary or selfish ambition, I believe you’ll forfeit a good deal in your walk with the Lord.
If it’s about deploying your gifts and your passions into something that provides value in the marketplace – while keeping your focus and principles pointed toward Christ– I believe you’ll find the true fulfillment you’re designed to pursue.
This change in perspective doesn’t mean you won’t accomplish things, either. In fact, I’ve found that those who genuinely seek the Lord find opportunities they might not otherwise. What it boils down to is what we truly desire in our hearts.
Be wary of the dangers of falling for success. You’ll be so focused on self-fulfillment that you’ll miss what God has for you along the way. God created work, and he wants it to be significant – we just have to pay attention.
The Better Word :
- Are you missing a life of significance in pursuit of achievement? Ask God to seek your heart. What is important to you – really? Do you notice a difference in your goals vs. the goals of those who don’t follow Jesus?
- If you follow Jesus, where does he rank in your life? Is he an accompaniment to bless your work, or is He the ultimate focus of the glory of your work?
- Don’t wait for the next promotion or pay increase to be confident in what God has for you. Your life’s significance is beyond any job title and any authority over others. Give God the glory and invest in faithfulness – it will pave the way for a fresh vision of what matters in eternity.
Speak A Better Word 