SEARCH FOR SIGNIFICANCE

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” – Jeremiah 29:13

To live by purpose and glorify God is to transcend Survival and Success, engaging in a SEARCH for SIGNIFICANCE: “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer.29:13). Life manifests at one of three ascending levels: Survival, Success, or Significance. All three are legitimate, but wisdom demands that we understand each, choose Success above Survival, and Significance above Success. God wants us to have “good success” and enjoy His blessing that “makes one rich” in all dimensions of life (Jos.1:8; Pro.10;22). However, beyond personal success, we can enjoy and experience fruitfulness – true and lasting Significance in Life!

Far too many people are content simply to survive in life. They are content with minimal input, and satisfied with minimal reward. They never make things happen. Others have clearly defined goals, pursue and reach them. But many of these dynamic, driven, successful people find that life still has no purpose or meaning. One such individual, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, described his success as no more satisfying than the “taste of ashes” on the tongue! Reaching their top, they remain unfulfilled and could become cynical, depressed, or even suicidal.

The most desirable and a higher level of meaning to hunger after and pursue, is a life of Significance. This is not measured by fame, fortune, popularity, titles, or achievement. It isn't really about what we do for ourselves to elevate ourselves but rather by what we do for others to help lift them up. Those who lead significant lives are those who touch the lives of others in such a way as to leave the world a better place than they met it, as the result of what they initiated, participated in or invested.

Over the course of human history, individuals of diverse classes and callings have led significant lives. Biblically, Jesus of Nazareth tops the list that will include the likes of Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Elisha, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and John the beloved. Globally, the world has witnessed the likes of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther, Isaac Newton, Mother Teresa, Amy Carmichael, Oswald Chambers, and Martin Luther King. Persons of True Significance make a difference in their locations and generations, leaving legacies that transcend their mortal existence, making eternal impact. Many whose names never appear in the news, in their little corners, see a need and fill it, touching humanity in unique and impactful ways!

The discovery of Purpose is what causes one to look beyond the success image and seek significance. This entails viewing the world through the eyes of Jesus. This search for significance overcomes selfishness with generosity, knowing that life is fleeting and brief, and eternity is real. Significance lasts even after death! And, significance satisfies the soul! We are never happier or better rewarded than when we live a life of significance.