Doing or Being Your Best?

Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. (Ecclesiastes 5:12-17 ESV).

There have been many books written outlining the meaning of success. Those same books have many good methods to suggest in achieving goals. However, the achievement of a goal, or the amassing of possessions is not necessarily success. Ralph Waldo Emerson said success is:

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success.

One of the most common responses heard from those who have reached the pinnacle of success is that of the emptiness that still plagues their lives. That sort of confession is at least one reason the question of meaning of success is so central in life’s pursuit. There are many people who would say that success is measured by the amount of possessions and the standard of living one has gained. However, judging by the remarks of some that have attained those higher standards, there is frequently an admission of disappointment. After his second Wimbledon victory, Boris Becker surprised the world by admitting his great struggle with suicide. Jack Higgins, the renowned author of The Eagle Has Landed, has said that he had known as a small boy is this: “When you get to the top, there’s nothing there.”

Cathy Rigby was a member of the US Women’s Gymnastics Team in the 1972 Olympics at Munich, and she had only one goal in mind, to win a gold medal. She had trained hard over a long period. On the day she was scheduled to perform, she prayed for the strength and the control to get through her routine without making mistakes. She was tense with determination not to let herself or her country down. She performed well, but when it was all over and the winners were announced, her name was not among them. Cathy was crushed. Afterward, she joined her parents in the stands all set for a good cry. As she sat down, she could barely manage to say, “I’m sorry. I did my best.” “You know that, and I know that,” her mother said, “and I’m sure God knows that too.” Then, Cathy recalls, her mother said 10 words that she has never forgotten: “Doing your best is more important than being the best.” That’s the heart of the wisdom of Solomon. What are you chasing after today? Are you more interested in doing or being your best? Let Christ help you be your best!