What Will They Say About You?
"Technological Icon...Innovator...Silicon Valley Legend...Inventor...#110 on the Forbes Billionaire List...Mastermind...Titan of the Digital Era...Thomas Edison, Jr."
These terms are all used to describe Steven “Steve” Paul Jobs, Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Apple, Inc.
Mr. Jobs was blessed with so many abilities, talents and gifts and he put them to great use. Through his inventions, he was able to touch almost every aspect of a person’s life: from the office, to the home, to music, to movies…And the lists go on and on.
Even if you do not own an Apple product, you would have to live on another planet not to recognize his name. To put it in a nutshell, Steve Jobs is one of the most influential men of all time. What a profound life!
Mr. Jobs, passed away on October 5, 2011, at the young age of fifty-six.
It is almost unimaginable to think that with all his gifts, abilities and talents that his life’s story is finished. The curtain has gone down. His existence, a crescendo of accolades and prominence, is now over. Just like that. It is hard to visualize that that is the end.
At the time of his passing, media circuits buzzed with eulogies and observations of the great life of Steve Jobs. I too am reflecting - but from a different vantage point.
“…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”
Luke 12:48
“For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.”
Psalm 149:4
Prestige to the degree of Mr. Jobs' usually comes with a high price to pay. Look at prominent political figures when they first take office. They are refreshed and excited about the task at hand. Their shoulders, pushed back with confidence. Their youthfulness resonates. They are excited about the future.
Fast-forward to just a year after them taking office. Their hair is tinged with more grey. There are more lines in their faces, showing signs of aging. They may even walk less upright than when they first started. The toll that stress takes on their lives is undeniable. They make daily sacrifices. Spending time with their family takes a backstage. Their circle of friends grows smaller.
Now think about the lifestyle of Steve Jobs. I am no medical doctor, but I am sure that the stressors, sacrifices and pressures described above were probably one hundred percent greater and probably contributed to his premature death.
As a layman, Mr. Jobs was able to achieve the unthinkable and the impossible. Can you imagine that level of greatness, multiplied by infinity and illuminated with Christ? Now, we are talking about “unstoppable”!
Without Christ, someone who seems to be unstoppable as they achieve so much is merely a speck in time on the grand scheme of things.
Matthew 16:26 says “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
I do not claim to know if Mr. Jobs was a born again believer or not. (Although I did read that he was a practicing Buddhist up until the time of his death). I do know that if he did not accept Jesus Christ into his life as his personal Lord and Savior and as the one who died and rose for his sins, I know that this is, in fact, where his good life ends. He also can’t take anything with him that he acquired along the way.
So I ask you this: How will your eulogy read? Will it be a listing of all the things that you have achieved? Will there be mention about you being a born-again believer? Will it say that you died in Christ? Will it mention that you will live again? Will your life be lived with a purpose and in God’s plan?
I’ve heard it said before that “he who dies with the most toys wins…” but I say “he who dies is dead – without Christ. But he who dies in Christ will live again!”
Selah!
~TC
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