SEEKING FULFILLMENT VS. SEEKING SUCCESS
America is truly a great nation, but sadly many have been ensnared and imprisoned by an endless quest for fame and fortune. All too often, the hunt for more has stranded those prosperity pilgrims on the road to loneliness and despair. In his book, “Facing Loneliness,” J. Oswald Sanders writes, “The round of pleasure or the amassing of wealth are but vain attempts to escape from the persistent ache. The millionaire is usually a lonely man and the comedian is often more unhappy than his audience.”
Sanders goes on to emphasize that being successful often fails to produce satisfaction. He refers to Henry Martyn, a distinguished scholar, as an example. Martyn, a Cambridge University student, was honored at only 20 years of age for stellar achievements in mathematics and awarded the highest recognition possible in that field. And yet he felt an emptiness inside. He said that instead of finding fulfillment in his achievements, he had “only grasped a shadow.” After evaluating his life’s goals, Martyn sailed to India as a missionary at the age of 24. When he arrived, he prayed, “Lord, let me burn out for You.” In the next 7 years that preceded his death, he translated the New Testament into three difficult Eastern languages. These notable achievements were certainly not passing “shadows.”
We should never trade enduring fulfillment for temporary success. At best, it constitutes a very shallow and empty exchange.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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