Aspire to live, not just be successful

By Rob Hurtgen

It is that time of year again. Young men and women -- and some not so young -- are donning caps and gowns to celebrate graduation. They have successfully met all of the requirements to complete their respective degree. Graduate or not, there are some matters from 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 that speak to everyone moving into the next stage of real life.

First, your relationships matter more than your accomplishments.

You can never forget the people who sacrificed to help get you where you are. Driving you to early morning classes, staying up late to help you study, encouraging you when you felt down -- there have been so many people along your journey who have been there for you.

It is those people -- not the degree, not the dream job, not even the advancement and promotion you've been longing for -- who matter most. The Thessalonian letter says, " ... you have been taught by God to love one another."

While speaking specifically to the church, the principle is applicable to all who believe, do not believe and are not even certain what they believe. Relationships matter more than what you accomplish.

Second, the letter challenges all to aim to live not only for success.

The most successful people are those who can clearly articulate what it is they are aiming at. Challenges arise when what they are aiming at might not be worth living for.

The text says, " ... aspire to live quietly." The original language gives the notion not of living a hushed life, but a life that is not frantic. Focusing on having it all will cause one to run from place to place, opportunity to opportunity, only to arrive and be uncertain where they are and what they are going to do. Make it your aspiration to live, not just to be successful. Be careful what you aim at; you just might reach it.

Who you are, who you are becoming and whom you will invest yourself in matter more than any accomplishments you achieve, any accolades you receive or any acknowledgments you are given.

The gospel of Jesus tells us we are more than what we do, that he desires for us to abide with him and, in doing so, find an identity and purpose that transcends all accomplishments or none. His grace does not change, no matter how much we do.