I recently read an interesting distinction between a resume and an obituary. A resume points out – in the best possible light – what we’ve done and maybe even hints at what we hope to do. Our eulogy highlights who we are, the people we’ve touched.
The things we highlight in a resume are not typically of lasting value. It is designed to keep score and it measures our outward productivity. But it doesn’t reveal our honesty, our love of our co-worker, our gratitude and commitment to God.
Resumes are useful items in our work world and I’ve developed a decent one. But nothing on my resume is going to impress God. It’s not about what I’ve done (it’s about what He’s done). God’s love is poured out extravagantly on us all – pauper and philanthropist, laborer and leader.
If my list of so-called accomplishments isn’t a way to gauge how I’m doing in life, what is? How do I view success and how am I pursuing it? God gives me a new target – Him. He cares about my character, my calling in His kingdom work, my love of Him and His people. It's not going to be a company or a dollar figure that will be remembered someday – although it might be those I worked with or how the money was used.
The values on a resume can be good, but they are not the ultimate target. And they should never be put before kingdom values. It’s a good marker for me to remember as I make decisions throughout the day – who I am matters more than what I’ve done. Am I collecting titles and influence or am I pursuing a God who loves me and calls me to faithfully bear His name? I have a new definition of success - and only God knows how I'm doing with that.
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21
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