My father-in-law was very “successful” financially as a businessman, then for many years lived the retired American dream lifestyle. He now has poor health and suffers from dementia. His life has changed dramatically in just a matter of months. I spent this past weekend going through a storage unit of stuff that he had accumulated, and it was like a time capsule of his life. As I was reflecting on what God was trying to teach me through this experience, I received a devotional from Os Hillman’s “Today God Is First”. In it, Os says: “For many people in the world, real meaning in life is the next vacation, career success, or stepping up the income ladder. It is a life based on pleasurable experiences. Many a human being has toiled their whole life to gain a pleasurable lifestyle only to find a life that is empty and meaningless. You only have to watch television for one evening to discover that advertisers want us to believe this is the goal of life. The work-to-play theme is consistent with most advertising messages. Knowing Christ brings the only real meaning and purpose to the human soul. Spend time today getting to know the Lord in a more intimate way. Then you will discover real meaning and purpose in life.” God then told me, “This is Truth. It resonates with the Gospel. But, there’s one more ingredient. The Truth (Gospel) must be shared with others.”
I guess that was my answer to finding purpose and success. What is yours?