A thought by Erwin Raphael McManus from his book, The Way of the Warrior (p. 49). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
Here is one of many makers to help you know if you are spending your strength in the right place, Erwin says, “An external marker can be the impact that your actions have on others. You may get sick every time you are invited to be a public speaker, but the influence you have on the audience is undeniable. Oftentimes I have seen highly talented people who are terrified by the callings that are on their lives, and the only thing that keeps them swinging the ax is a sense of responsibility for the good that is being accomplished in the lives of others. This for me is one of the most altruistic and noble reasons to be motivated to create wealth. For some, their responsibility is not simply to have a job but to create jobs. It’s not enough to simply gain wealth; they must create wealth so that the welfare of others is affected by their work. In the end, everything we do should ultimately be measured by how much good is done for others.
“Although life may not have yet brought you wealth or position or power, there is no poverty that can stop you from fulfilling God’s intention for your life when you are walking in wisdom. This is why it matters who you walk with as well. When you choose to live your life in concert with others who are willing to pay the high price of pursuing the greatest challenges and developing their full potential and capacity, it shapes who you are. Lean in to those who refuse to leave you the same. Stay close to those who see you as more than you are in this present moment. Never forget that the rebuke of a friend is of greater value than the kiss of an enemy. (Proverbs 27:5-6)”
He goes on, “Solomon reminds us, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’ (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
“It’s somewhat ironic that these words from Solomon are almost exclusively quoted at weddings when the actual context for saying these words has nothing to do with marriage. The context is actually about a man who has gained immeasurable wealth but finds himself without either a son or brother. He comes to the end of his life and realizes that his wealth is of no value because he has lived his life alone, disconnected from others. Life, Solomon reminds us, is filled with unexpected twists and turns. And with all we do not know about the future, what we can be certain of is that there will be struggles, challenges, and battles ahead. Life is a great quest, but even the hero knows it should not be faced alone.”
Of course, we need God. If what we do is making a difference for Him and with Him then keep chopping. And the same is true if you are making a difference for others and they are wanting to join with you, then keep chopping. That definitely is a good marker, isn’t it?
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