I was sitting in the car today with one of my best friends Andrew, who is a frontrunner for the most thoughtful person I know. We were having one of our usual talks that make my brain hurt in the best way possible. It started with something along the lines of me talking about wanting to do something significant with my life and him saying something along the lines of “what is significant in the eyes of Jesus?”
“Um.”
I don’t think it’s that I hadn’t considered this question (it’s usually at the forefront of my mind when I think about life), but I suppose hearing it out loud made the question different. I actually had to answer in real words instead of abstractions (I should note here that when Andrew asks questions like this, he does it in earnest, not to prove a point). The easiest thing to do is to list what is insignificant to Jesus – money, status, possessions – but these are given and just add to the list of obvious clichés that the American Church dwells on. We wanted the heart of the question: what do we do for the next sixty years we’re on earth?
We both share the heart of wanting to receive Jesus for who he actually is, his truth, no matter how challenging, and his love. We also both share some unique opportunities and capabilities to accomplish a lot in the eyes of the world; I’m looking at a business degree and Andrew is looking at an engineering degree (maybe?). And those things are fine, but he really pressed in on the question of whether or not we’re supposed to chase after those things or if the reality is that those things take our eyes away from Jesus. And I think the answer can be either. Of course when worldly ambitions become the focus, they detract from intimacy with the Lord, but to do nothing is not abundant living. So how do we receive Jesus and continue to pursue meaningful careers that don’t distract us from our true love?
“When I reach heaven, I want to hear Him say ‘well done, good and faithful servant.'” I had reached my answer, but Andrew wasn’t satisfied, “when He looks at you, He sees the goodness of Jesus… whatever you do is seen as good and faithful because Jesus is good and faithful.” I told you he was thoughtful. But we both know that there is still significance for the individuals who are in Christ. Biblically, God is subjective: Jesus had favorites, God talked to specific people. That isn’t to say he chose based on worldly merit; He communed with everything from lowly people like prostitutes, fishermen, tax collectors, and adulterers to some of the most rich and powerful like Moses, Nicodemus, David, Solomon (granted he specifically raised the last two to their positions, but that furthers the point). God isn’t concerned with status. So what is the commonality between those The Lord interacted with most deeply? These are men and women after his own heart and He uses them. If Andrew and I are seeking His face in law and business and design and engineering and education, then He’ll use us.
Driving home after, I listened to this recording of one of my favorite hymns “How Deep the Father’s Love”.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
This is the first bit, and I couldn’t help but think how this is the real significance of life. God’s love is displayed through the resurrection of Jesus to restore me to the worthiness He intended for me. He called me worthy because of what He did, and no career or degree can touch that. He has me here on earth to spread his love and righteousness, and that’s what I intend to do (no matter my career).
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
What is significant in the eyes of Jesus is the restoration of His people, and He’s making that significant to me too.
Cheers,
Pete
petecates 