If there’s one thing everyone wants, it should be that “dream job,” one where you have power and influence, lots of cash, and gives you a lifestyle ninety-nine percent of people would envy. Let’s dream some more, everyone likes to dream, right? How to win a lottery; What would you do with your winnings… a million dollars, for example? You may be able to buy a few items like that house, a boat, or a car, but you probably still have to work.
The best jobs have a few things in common. You are treated with a lot of respect, you have a great office, flexible hours, access to the best facilities and benefits, and you can also most likely afford a nice house, car, etc. The “dream job” actually offers the “dream life.”
It’s great to dream. Everyone who has ever really achieved something they dreamed of, visualizing what they want to do and what they want to acquire. There is no shortage of people throughout history who have dreamed and then somehow ‘known’ the path that leads to the realization of the dream.
When it comes to vocation, I tend to believe that we have to “do” something in this life; most people would agree. We can’t just get filthy rich and sail our luxury yachts all day, every day. We have to work. And the work is good. The ancient biblical philosophy writer Qoheleth resolved that the secret of life was to enjoy work and then simply rest. Therefore, it is for us that we must strive to achieve the balance between work, rest and play.
Knowing that the job is good for us is fine, but that doesn’t give us the dream job or the dream life now, does it? I believe that the secret to getting the dream job lies in two complementary things, which lead a person towards wisdom. (Keep in mind that the ancients told us that wisdom is more valuable than fine gold and silver.)
These two complementary attributes are: 1) having knowledge, and 2) having a good heart. To better illustrate this point, here is the following quote:
“Look around you and you find many knowledgeable people. Look elsewhere and you find many good-hearted people. hard-won knowledge with his grace-imparted kindness.” -Terry C. Muck.[1]
There are literally millions of people who have worked hard, earned college or university degrees, degrees and doctorates, but don’t know as live. There is a fatal flaw in the makeup of the personality, or there is ambition driven by greed, or there is a lack of appreciation for things to be grateful for. Many people with a lot of knowledge are like that; it’s so unfortunate, because they really are in a position to have a great life, but they’ll never know how, without looking for qualities of wisdom and spirituality and things like that. We’ve all heard the quote, “money is no good for you when you’re dead.” However, many knowledgeable people just don’t get it. In the wisdom of Proverbs, they are “fools,” and Proverbs 17:16 says, “What good is money in the hand of a fool, if he does not desire to acquire wisdom?” People who lack this meaning in life literally have no “heart”.
This brings us to the other quality for the dream job and life: a good heart. Good-hearted people have learned the vital life message that character Development is the key to success and happiness in life as it goes a long way in establishing peaceful relationships with everyone.
People with a “good heart” are kind, generous, forgiving. They can recover from an injury and do not hurt others on purpose. They are of good courage and faith. They defend respect, both for others and for themselves. They understand the need to work hard and provide for those who depend on them. They know how to live in peace, not only with others, but also with themselves. James says that they are “pure, then peaceable, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”[2] Some people may not think much of being “submissive”, but the truth is that it is the way to have a good heart. Somehow it works for the submissive person on the path of wisdom.
Can you imagine the power you would have if you had a good education AND a good character? The world is your oyster. Many things can be yours with good knowledge and a good heart in your power. In addition, you will finally take the one that is really the best option regarding the work you want to do. You will love your life because it will be full of hope, you will have things and good people to love, and you will be loved. I couldn’t think of anything better!
Where are your gaps… knowledge or heart? Chances are you can improve both.
© Steve J. Wickham, 2008. All rights reserved worldwide.
[1] T.C. Muck, “General Editor’s Preface” in NIV Application Commentary: Proverbs, by PE Koptak (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2003), p. eleven
[2] James 3:17 (NIV)
