In he mid 1970's Ed Roberts created the world's first commercially successful personal computer (PC). He hired a 19 year-old named Bill Gates to write the software for him. Roberts sold his computer business in 1977 and bought a farm. Seven years later, at age 41, he entered medical school. Today, Bill Gates is the head of the largest computer software company in the world. Ed Roberts is a physician in a small Georgia town.


Roberts says, "The implication is that the PC is the most important thing I've ever done, and I don't think that's true. Everyday I deal with things that are equally, if not more important, here with my patients." How can we evaluate the significance of our lives? Something deep inside tells us a thing cannot be measured by wealth and fame.


As we look at the Apostle Paul's turbulent life, it seems noteworthy that he approached the end with a peaceful sense of successful completion. He wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7) Paul looked confidently not to the world but to "the Lord, the righteous Judge" for approval and reward (v. 8).


Since sooner than later we'll face our Creator, whose gaze pierces through the heart.
Let's make sure our dreams, our goals and grand schemes, have Christ in our plans from the start.


All of us at one time or another, including myself, equate the amount of money and the materials things we amass in this life as a measure for success and happiness. Our focus is the on the world and the appeasement of man instead of God. (Romans 1:25) We become self-serving, as if it is all about us and chasing the next dollar. We forget the One who provides all because our wants become the central of our needs.


There is absolutely nothing wrong with success, being rich or even having desires. Just remember God doesn't judge us by our worldly success (Jeremiah 17:10). God doesn't care about our riches (Psalm 24:1) and God will certainly take care of all our needs. We need to put it all in perspective and "seek His Kingdom first" (Matthew 6:33). In doing so, our richness in His mercy will outweigh our money; our love for His word will outweigh our successes, and thankfulness for giving us His son will outweigh our worldly desires.