To Strive For

“To cut down on mistakes, it’s best to copy and paste when transferring data from one program to another one,” my boss Steve instructed. “Statistics show that a person normally makes five mistakes per 100 keystrokes when working on computers.”

Later in the week while correcting a couple of mistakes I had made, I told another employee, “Well, I haven’t made my five mistakes yet today.”

“Helen, that is not supposed to be a quota you are striving for,” Steve commented when he over-heard me. His comment gave me and the office employees pause for laughter and reflection.

In thinking about Steve’s comment, I realized our society pushes us to strive for a variety of things: beauty, sexual attraction, owning the newest vehicle, or a long life through medicine. We are also urged to have political knowledge, slim bodies, a large new home with the latest furniture, and endless fun and activities. In themselves, there is probably nothing wrong with each item, but as a Christian are those items what God wants us to strive for?

Instead, how about I strive to: trust God with every aspect of my life, seek God’s wisdom for all choices I make, and never allow unforgiveness and bitterness to dwell in my heart. I also can show kindness to everyone I come in contact with, and listen to His voice inside me.

Striving for the Godly aspects leaves me with peace and hope.

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:9-10 (NIV)