Does what I do matter?

I have wondered whether the things I have pursued throughout my life and the things I am doing now and have been worthwhile. Francis Chan expressed this concern: “Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”

As a businessman, I have pursued opportunities with passion and determination. At the time, I believed the direction I was taking was the best one. However, I cannot say that every decision was preceded by meditation about whether the goal had lasting value.

Often, I saw an opportunity, made a plan, and moved forward. Today, I spend time each day in prayer, meditation, and writing in my diary. These practices give me an opportunity to look back.

I believe I have lived a life of which I can be proud. My work has supported my family, influenced other people, and allowed me to contribute through my church and professional associations.

Yet Chan’s statement still challenges me to consider how God measures a worthwhile life. In Luke 12:16–21, Jesus tells of a rich man who was materially successful but lived mainly for himself.

His mistake was not prosperity itself, but believing that accumulating more was life’s highest purpose. Likewise, 1 Corinthians 3:11–15 teaches that our life’s work will eventually be tested. Some accomplishments will endure, while others will be revealed as temporary.

These passages lead me to ask difficult questions. Did my ambitions strengthen or weaken my character? Did success deepen my relationships or distract me from them?

Did my work help me fulfill my calling and grow closer to God? Success is not merely reaching the goal we set; it is making certain that the goal deserves our life. These are thoughts I am still pondering, and I will explore them further in my next blog.

If you need business advice, contact me at bobchuckpatterson@yahoo.com.

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