Steve Jobs once said; "You have to trust in something—your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has made all the difference in my life.” Jobs has been highly successful in his life. He took a fledgling company in the late 80's called Apple and transformed it into juggernaut. Apple's stock had little value in the eyes of Wall Street until he turned it into one that it prized among portfolios. He has forever changed the look, language, and listening of our planet. His philosophy seems to work but does it?
Many will read such a statement by Jobs and thereby adopt it as a basis of all decision making. Why would people use such an abstract, flippant, and dare I say a "mystical" process in order to make decisions concerning life? What makes Jobs philosophy so appealing or even right? I believe many reasons could be postulated for explanatory purposes. However, I will only examine two and then propose a sound albeit Biblical basis for making decisions.
Many will read such a statement by Jobs and thereby adopt it as a basis of all decision making. Why would people use such an abstract, flippant, and dare I say a "mystical" process in order to make decisions concerning life? What makes Jobs philosophy so appealing or even right? I believe many reasons could be postulated for explanatory purposes. However, I will only examine two and then propose a sound albeit Biblical basis for making decisions.
Jobs reasoning is appealing simply because it is "hip". It just sounds cool. It sounds anti-establishment. Dare I say it sounds free! It further feeds our individualistic mindset, pull yourself up by your boot straps, and it further perpetuates a mindset found both inside and outside churches today; you create your own destiny." It is hip because intoxicates the aforementioned mindset.
Jobs reasoning is appealing because it appeals with great intensity to our pragmatic mindset. It is today's other prevailing mindset. If it works it must be true or right. This idea, "it has made all the difference in my life", does not mean it can or will work or even be replicated in other's life. Something can only be pragmatic meaning, that it works in every place and time, if it is rooted in absolute truth. Gravity is pragmatic everywhere because is an absolute truth.
Many today, in record numbers, are seeking direction for their life. I base that statement on dedicated space at local and chain bookstore's, infomerical's, and websites that attempt to answer this all important question. Is there a pragmatic and thus absolute way to make decisions that will make a difference in your life? Yes.
I agree with Jobs statement, "you have to trust in something." Scripture states God, as revealed in the Bible, is absolute truth and leads those who follow him into all truth. Scripture, if obeyed, will bring with it direction in every area of life. This may seem to be an over simplistic explanation of what appears to be veiled in great mystery. Wisdom, direction, and understanding are not hidden from us as though God is conducting a cosmic Easter Egg Hunt. He, God, wants us to not only know Him but His purpose and will for their life. I want to leave you with Scripture that supports and affirms my aforementioned statements.
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:5,6
- If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. - James 1:5
- When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. - John 16:13
- And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. - Isaiah 58:11
- And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
- Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers;but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night.He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season,and its leaf does not wither.In all that he does, he prospers. - Psalm 1:1-3
- Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:4, 5
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