The Four Tenets of Not-So-With-YOUSýnishorn

Success vs. Significance

And lastly, the fourth tenet of Not-So-With-You is Significance. Today’s world celebrates success. You might think that there is nothing wrong with it. When success is measured by what one has gained for oneself; knowledge, money, position, power, titles, status, number of followers, number of likes, etc., it becomes self-centered. The bigger question is, how and how much have others benefitted from your success? If you have a good answer to that question, you are leading a life of Significance. In other words, people who lead a life of significance, pursue knowledge so they can help the unlearned, seek wisdom so that they can help the foolish, gain money so that they can help the poor, and improve their health so that they can take care of the sick, etc.

While much is written and said about the spiritual gifts described in 1 Cor 12:4-11, not much importance is given to the verse hidden right in the middle of this discourse; But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: (1 Cor 12:7, NKJV). Every spiritual gift given to us is to serve others. Jesus has asked you to be the light and salt of this world.

Self-assessment

Think about the last week. Recall how you have spent your time. Recall all the activities you have been involved in, then put them into these four categories:

1. Low value to self and low value to others
2. Low value to self, but high value to others
3. High value to self, but low value to others
4. High value to self and high value to others

You will naturally have items in all categories. What we must try and do is to have the 4th category be the majority. Do this self-assessment regularly and you will lead a life of significance that pleases the Lord.

Prayer

Father, thank you for bestowing me with several spiritual gifts. Help me Lord to acknowledge, identify, and use all of them for the benefit of others. Help me resist the temptation to use my gifts for my personal gain alone.