Issue 1509 – Captain of my Fate – July 27, 2024
I was organizing some back issues this morning and came across this one from early 2007. It seemed appropriate for today.
I was on a walk when I met Teddie. That’s Teddie with an “ie,” not a “y,” I was told by his proud owner. Teddie is a Yorkie-poo (Yorkshire Terrier – toy poodle cross) and weighs all five pounds.
Cute little Teddie does not know that he is smaller than most cats. He thinks he is the size of a wolfhound and as fierce as a Rottweiler. He struts around as if he is king of the world and is ready to take on all comers.
That arrogance is delightfully cute in a five-pound dog. In a full-grown human, it is simply foolishness. We strut around seeking to be “masters of our own destiny” and “captains of our fate.” I meet “self-made” men and women all the time.
Now, I am all for making the best use of the gifts and talents God has given us; in fact, He wants no less from us. Yet, let’s be realistic too. None of us is in charge of our own fate, the “captain” of our destiny. We cannot even control the air we breathe. Circumstances can change in an instant.
Health can be fleeting. Governments can change quickly, and economies can reverse. Today’s brilliant opportunity is yesterday’s ancient technology. Last week’s “people’s choice” is this week’s has-been. Today’s world record holder will be forgotten when the record is broken next month.
Captain of my fate when I cannot control any of it? Captain of my fate when I cannot even control my genetic makeup? Captain of my fate when I am only one of six billion people on an insignificant little planet in the midst of a mid-size galaxy surrounded by tens of billions of others?
We might as well be five-pound dogs who think we’re Rottweilers. While we are heroes in our own eyes and legends in our own minds, most of the world does not even know we exist.
It is sheer folly. Solomon understood that. He was more famous, powerful, and wealthy than anyone else of his time, and I suspect if he were still alive, he would outdo all who are alive now. He understood the value and the cost of being richer, wiser, and more powerful than everyone else.
Yet, he also knew that without God, it was empty vanity. A read-through of Ecclesiastes will show the emptiness of the pursuit (and acquisition) of titles and accomplishments without another purpose in life. He decries it all as “vanity” (or “meaningless” in some translations). He would know because he had been there and done that.
If everything is meaningless and truly outside our control, where do we turn? How do we find value? To whom do we give credit? The Apostle Paul knew the answer to that question.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13
Solomon knew it. Paul lived it.
Our true contentment comes not from what we have done or who we think we are. It comes from resting in the peace of God through the Christ. It comes through walking with Him in obedience and growing more like Him in our character. It comes through the joy of the Holy Spirit.
If you happen to be the best at something, remember to give the glory to the one who put you there. If you are not, rejoice in the one who loves you beyond measure. Worldly success fades, but His steadfast love endures forever.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV)