Real Goals

When you think your day is terrible, think of Ronald Wayne—one of three co-founders of Apple Computers. In 1976, he sold his 10% share of the company for $800. In addition, he waived his rights to any part of the company for an additional $1500. As of this writing today, Apple Computers is one of the most valuable companies in the world. Estimated worth? Around $600 billion. In today's market, that 10% share of Apple would be worth approximately $60 billion.

At first glance, we see Ronald Wayne as foolish. He could have had so much more but sold out and lost. But let's not be so quick to judge.

The fact is, so many people do the same thing with something far more valuable.

Let's look at Matthew 16:26:

"For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?"

Instead of cashing out stock options and benefits like Ronald, people sell the most precious thing they have: themselves.

• They compromise their integrity to fit into a crowd.
• They ignore Biblical wisdom for temporary pleasure.
• They follow their way instead of following the direction of Christ.
• They try to earn heaven instead of asking Jesus into their hearts.
• They seek the applause of peers over heavenly cheers.

Ronald Wayne only lost money; so many people lose themselves. They live their entire lives focused on climbing the ladder of success, only to find it leaning against the wrong wall. They sacrifice their eternity at the altar of ego. And in the end, they tragically spend forever separated from their Creator when it's all over. Their once-important treasure is left behind on earth, inaccessible and useless.

The objective of a godly life is not to acquire possessions, fame, or fortune. If we get them, great! But keep in mind that those things are not the goal. They are simply tools to leverage and be used to bring people closer to Jesus Christ! God has given us a precious soul, everything we are, to make a difference while we're here on earth. Value it. Don't vend it to the highest bidder or swap it for the short-lived. The world will offer tempting trades, but give your life—your soul—only to the One who knits it together. God has an excellent plan for you; don't sell out to anything less.