[Also written under the title: Get your Dream Job, Have your Dream Life: Get both things of Wisdom’s Fabric; Knowledge and a Good Heart]
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IF THERE’S ONE THING everyone wants it must be that “dream job”—one where you have power and influence, lots of cash, and it affords you a lifestyle ninety-nine percent of people would be envious of. Let’s dream a little more—everyone likes to dream, right? Like winning a lottery; what would you do with your winnings… one million dollars, for instance? You might be able to buy a few items like that home, or boat or car, but you’d probably still have to work.
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The best jobs have some things in common. You’re treated very respectfully, you have a fine office, flexible hours, access to the best facilities and perks, and you’re also more than likely able to afford a nice home, car and so on. The “dream job” actually delivers the “dream life.”
The best jobs have some things in common. You’re treated very respectfully, you have a fine office, flexible hours, access to the best facilities and perks, and you’re also more than likely able to afford a nice home, car and so on. The “dream job” actually delivers the “dream life.”
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It’s great to dream. Everyone who’s ever really achieved anything has dreamed, envisioning what they wish to do and what they wish to acquire. There’s no shortage of people throughout history who’ve dreamed and then somehow ‘known’ the path that leads to the fulfilment of the dream.
It’s great to dream. Everyone who’s ever really achieved anything has dreamed, envisioning what they wish to do and what they wish to acquire. There’s no shortage of people throughout history who’ve dreamed and then somehow ‘known’ the path that leads to the fulfilment of the dream.
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When it comes to vocation, I tend to believe we have to “do” something in this life—most people would agree. We can’t just get filthy rich and sail our luxury yachts around all day, every day. We have to work. And work is good. Ancient writer of biblical philosophy Qoheleth resolved that the secret to life was to enjoy work, and then simply rest. So it is for us that we should strive to achieve the balance of work, rest and play.
When it comes to vocation, I tend to believe we have to “do” something in this life—most people would agree. We can’t just get filthy rich and sail our luxury yachts around all day, every day. We have to work. And work is good. Ancient writer of biblical philosophy Qoheleth resolved that the secret to life was to enjoy work, and then simply rest. So it is for us that we should strive to achieve the balance of work, rest and play.
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Knowing that work is good for us is fine, but that doesn’t get us the dream job or dream life now does it? I think the secret in getting the dream job lies in two complementary things, both of which lead a person toward wisdom. (Bear in mind, the ancient’s told us that wisdom is the more valuable than fine gold and silver.)
Knowing that work is good for us is fine, but that doesn’t get us the dream job or dream life now does it? I think the secret in getting the dream job lies in two complementary things, both of which lead a person toward wisdom. (Bear in mind, the ancient’s told us that wisdom is the more valuable than fine gold and silver.)
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These two complementary attributes are: 1) to have knowledge, and 2) to have a good heart. To further illustrate this point, here is the following quote:
These two complementary attributes are: 1) to have knowledge, and 2) to have a good heart. To further illustrate this point, here is the following quote:
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“Look around and one finds plenty of knowledgeable people. Look in other places and one finds plenty of goodhearted people. But we look hard to find people both goodhearted and knowledgeable—or, put a better way, people who have learned how to integrate their hard-won knowledge with their grace-imparted goodness.” –Terry C. Muck.[1]
“Look around and one finds plenty of knowledgeable people. Look in other places and one finds plenty of goodhearted people. But we look hard to find people both goodhearted and knowledgeable—or, put a better way, people who have learned how to integrate their hard-won knowledge with their grace-imparted goodness.” –Terry C. Muck.[1]
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There are literally millions of people who’ve worked hard, earned university or college diplomas, degrees and doctorates, yet don’t know how to live. There’s a fatal flaw in the make-up of the personality, or there is ambition driven by greed, or there’s a lack of appreciation for things to be thankful for. Many very knowledgeable people are like this; it is so unfortunate, because they are truly in the position to have a great life, yet they will never know how, without seeking wisdom qualities and spirituality and the like. We’ve all heard the quote, “money’s no good to you when you’re dead.” Yet many people with knowledge just don’t get it. In the wisdom of Proverbs they are “fools,” and Proverbs 17:16 says, “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?” People who lack this sense in life literally lack “heart.”
There are literally millions of people who’ve worked hard, earned university or college diplomas, degrees and doctorates, yet don’t know how to live. There’s a fatal flaw in the make-up of the personality, or there is ambition driven by greed, or there’s a lack of appreciation for things to be thankful for. Many very knowledgeable people are like this; it is so unfortunate, because they are truly in the position to have a great life, yet they will never know how, without seeking wisdom qualities and spirituality and the like. We’ve all heard the quote, “money’s no good to you when you’re dead.” Yet many people with knowledge just don’t get it. In the wisdom of Proverbs they are “fools,” and Proverbs 17:16 says, “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?” People who lack this sense in life literally lack “heart.”
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This leads us to the other quality for the dream job, and life: A good heart. People with a good heart have learnt the vital life message that character development is the key to life success and happiness, as it goes a long way toward peace-filled relationships with everyone.
This leads us to the other quality for the dream job, and life: A good heart. People with a good heart have learnt the vital life message that character development is the key to life success and happiness, as it goes a long way toward peace-filled relationships with everyone.
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People with a “good heart” are kind, generous, forgiving. They can come back from a hurt, and don’t hurt others on purpose. They’re of good courage and faith. They uphold respect, both for others and themselves. They understand the need to work hard, and to provide for those dependent on them. They know how to live at peace, not just with others, but also with themselves. James says they’re “pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”[2] Some people might not think much of being “submissive” but truth be known it is the way to having a good heart. Somehow it works for the person who’s submissive in the way of wisdom.
People with a “good heart” are kind, generous, forgiving. They can come back from a hurt, and don’t hurt others on purpose. They’re of good courage and faith. They uphold respect, both for others and themselves. They understand the need to work hard, and to provide for those dependent on them. They know how to live at peace, not just with others, but also with themselves. James says they’re “pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”[2] Some people might not think much of being “submissive” but truth be known it is the way to having a good heart. Somehow it works for the person who’s submissive in the way of wisdom.
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Can you imagine the power you’d have if you’ve got a good education AND a good character. The world’s your oyster. Many things may be yours with good knowledge and a good heart in your possession. Additionally, you will finally make what is truly the very best choice regarding the work you wish to do. You will love your life because it will be full of hope, you’ll have things and good people to love, and you’ll be loved. Couldn’t think of anything better!
Can you imagine the power you’d have if you’ve got a good education AND a good character. The world’s your oyster. Many things may be yours with good knowledge and a good heart in your possession. Additionally, you will finally make what is truly the very best choice regarding the work you wish to do. You will love your life because it will be full of hope, you’ll have things and good people to love, and you’ll be loved. Couldn’t think of anything better!
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Where are your gaps… knowledge or heart? Chances are you could improve both.
Where are your gaps… knowledge or heart? Chances are you could improve both.
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© Steve J. Wickham, 2008. All rights reserved Worldwide.
© Steve J. Wickham, 2008. All rights reserved Worldwide.
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[1] T.C. Muck, “General Editor’s Preface” in The NIV Application Commentary: Proverbs, by P.E. Koptak (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2003), p. 11.
[2] James 3:17 (TNIV)
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