The Glitter of Worldly Success

In the corporate world, success is often equated with status, wealth, and power. And let’s be honest—it’s not just in the workplace. Social media bombards us with images of people flaunting their achievements, riches, and titles.

Usually, at annual corporate events, it’s common for companies to celebrate their “heroes”—those who’ve driven profits and delivered results. These individuals are showered with luxury and recognition, and naturally, many of us feel motivated to strive for the same.

I remember, as a junior employee, watching these celebrated leaders on stage and longing to be one of them. Their confidence, charisma, and success were magnetic.

But success in the world’s eyes is not without its pitfalls.

Timothy Goh, in his book Navigating Work Challenges, shares his story when he was young. As a young lawyer, he admired a senior lawyer he met in Karachi, Pakistan. John (not his real name) was a successful corporate lawyer who had everything he aspired towards. He had a high-paying job a successful career that saw him jet-setting around the world, and even had a carpet business on the side. Once, in the middle of a heated discussion, John suddenly stood up and instructed others not to leave the room. When he returned, he was cradling over 20 cigars that he unceremoniously dumped on the table and demanded, “I don’t care if any of you don’t smoke – you all smoke!” It was a testament to his strong personality. Sadly, John’s story did not end well. Many years after that, he made a critical mistake on a project in South America that resulted in his prosecution and conviction on criminal charges. For all his worldly success, he lacked a moral compass. The culture that dominates the marketplace is one of status and wealth. The heroes in the marketplace are people who seem to have achieved wealth and power solely by their hard work and determination. Yes, we can and ought to be respectful of those who have worked hard and excelled without cheating or exploiting anyone. For us, however, we should have one role model above all others, and that’s Jesus Christ.

The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that chasing wealth, knowledge, or pleasure is ultimately meaningless without God. True satisfaction comes from receiving life as a gift from His hand:

“Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

It is all too easy for us to falter and succumb to the allure of wealth and status within the marketplace, often justifying our actions by any means necessary or misplacing our priorities. As Asaph observed in Psalm 73:2, his steps nearly slipped when he beheld the prosperity of the wicked. Yet, upon deeper reflection, the psalmist ultimately recognized that his true treasure and portion, both on earth and in heaven, is none other than God Himself.

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:25-26).

Indeed, it is commendable for us to aspire to reach the zenith of our potential. As professionals, we should aim for the pinnacle of success and look at Jesus as our role model. For when our hearts are aligned with the love of Christ and we acknowledge God as our portion, then through our achievements, God can use us to channel blessings to the world.

C.T. Studd, a missionary, once remarked: "Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last."