This past month at church, we have been going through the book of Proverbs, in a series called Pressure Points. It’s interesting because I seem to be hearing one thing after another from Proverbs lately. I (Christa) have begun a personal quest for knowledge and wisdom. Everything from our finances to our relationships. I want to finally live my life the way God intended it.
So today’s sermon caught my attention and was especially good. It was about climbing the ladder of success; or working towards goals only at the cost of relationships. There is nothing wrong with success or setting goals. I believe God made
us for success. However, to make that, your ultimate goal, you are missing God’s ultimate purpose for your life and for your marriage.
What is the ultimate purpose or goal of your life? Is it to make more money? Is it to gain a higher position in your company? To have the cleanest house? Or have the most toys? Fill in the blank about what the most important thing is to you. Our pastor used to say that he could look at your checkbook and tell you what the most important thing in your life is. What are you spending your money on? Even more important….What are you spending your time on?
For the purpose of balance, Proverbs also talks about laziness. You need to have goals and work hard in life. But I think the key word here is Balance. Following God’s plan for your life. Don’t fill your life with having to buy more stuff or trying to get that next promotion, and forget the blessings God has filled your life with right now.
For us this is an especially hard lesson. Being small business owners in the middle of a recession has proven to take every ounce of energy we have to get us through. The last three years we have given everything to keep this business open. We have worked six and seven day work weeks. But at what cost? Yes it is important for the success of our business to give it all we have. However, when we have done all we can do, that is when we need to trust God to do the rest. At the end of the day our marriage and our children are more important.
Here are some Proverbs for inspiration:
17:1 “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.”
15:16 “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”
15:17″Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.”
16:8 “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
1:7 “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
3:5&6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”