Most of All

You can tell a lot about a person’s priorities by the way they present themselves. We portray an image to others that represents what it is important to us and how we want people to think of us. Sometimes we do this deliberately and strategically, but it can also be without any forethought. Either way, we learn about ourselves when we consider what we want to be known for most of all.

1) Most of all, I am rich. The human race has always been obsessed with wealth. Most people want more money than they have, regardless of their current level of wealth. When abused, the drive for more money can lead to overwork (Prov. 23:4-5), get-rich-quick schemes (Prov. 28:19-20), and dishonest gain (Prov. 20:10, 17).

 

Many are also interested in looking like they have more money than they actually do. We covet status symbols like cars, clothes, and jewelry that will signal to others that we are wealthy. Oftentimes the utility of the item is not even the important part—fake designer bags and deceitfully rebadged cars don’t magically gain the characteristics of the luxury goods they imitate, but they appear to be expensive.

 

Even if your wealth is real, how do you choose to present that to the world? The Bible recognizes that prosperity is a gift from God and an opportunity to do good, but some are more interested in flaunting their wealth (1 Pet. 3:3-4). If I feel the need to tell others how much I spent on my possessions or prioritize being flashy, I should carefully consider my motivations.

 

2) Most of all, I am successful. Some want more than anything to achieve something great in their work. This could be running a successful business, climbing the corporate ladder, or even attaining some rank in a hobby or sport. Ambition is not necessarily harmful, but it can consume us. Solomon realized that whatever he accomplished in his work was not worth basing his life on (Eccl. 2:18-23). Even if you are wildly successful, your work will be turned over to someone else eventually, and that person might ruin everything you ever worked for. Or, the fruits of your labor will be enjoyed by another. Are you pushing forward toward some arbitrary measure of success? Is your life’s work worthwhile?

 

3) Most of all, I am intelligent. Other people might not care anything about being perceived as rich or successful, but instead they want to be intelligent. This can manifest as a preoccupation with titles and educational degrees, a pompous vocabulary, or a desire to be the smartest person in the room in every setting. Learning is good—the book of Proverbs deals not only with spiritual wisdom but even earthly knowledge (Prov. 1:1-7). God wants us to understand the way this world works and to operate well in it. But do I think too highly of myself? Can I learn from others? Do I attach too much importance to a person’s formal education (or lack thereof)?

 

4) Most of all, I am well-known. Fame is a huge driver for many, and modern trends have only exaggerated that. Of course, people have always idolized fame and sought to amass a following of adoring fans, but it has never been easier to quantify the attention we receive. Social media platforms provide hard numbers on just how many people are watching, reading, liking, and sharing what I have to offer. Large, engaged fanbases are gratifying to the ego and perpetually push us toward what is popular and expected by the crowds. Having a platform can be an incredible gift, but it can also lead us to be people pleasers. When God’s word is frequently offensive to the majority, is that helpful in our Christian walk (Gal. 1:10)?

 

5) Most of all, I am beautiful. Some people are ruled by an inordinate desire to recognized as beautiful. More than one multibillion-dollar industry feeds on this desire—makeup and skincare, cosmetic surgery, supplements, clothing, jewelry, diet plans, social media, fitness, and more. Like everything on this list, the problem is when this becomes an obsession. Obsession with beauty can lead us to seek attention at all costs, sexually promiscuous behavior, or even just a shallowness that prevents us from seeking that which has longer-lasting value (Prov. 31:30). Am I more concerned with physical appearance than God is (1 Sam. 16:7)?

 

6) Most of all, I am generous. Many of the traits in this list will seem shallow to some. They pride themselves on not wanting such selfish things. They have dedicated themselves to charity and serving others. This is a noble goal, but even generosity can be misguided with the wrong attitude. When we “sound a trumpet before us” (Matt. 6:1-4), we may receive a lot of praise for our good deeds, but God is not pleased. Am I able to do something good for my neighbor without anyone knowing? Am I just as eager to be an anonymous helper or do I wait for the spotlight?

 

7) Most of all, I am created for God’s glory. Each quality on this list has the potential to be used well. You can even have every one of them if you are so blessed by God. It is still true that wealth, success, intelligence, fame, beauty, and generosity are not adequate to base your life on or make your constant goal. We are made in the image of God with eternity in our hearts. The purpose of my life is to glorify my Creator (1 Pet. 4:10-11; John 15:8). Most of all, I don’t want to be known or remembered for anything about me. I want my life to point others to Christ and to make the world lift God’s name up in praise. That at least is the goal, and I can use constant refinement to avoid every selfish motivation and truly live for Jesus.