I have chosen a story entitled, “Faith, hope, and love, these three – and the greatest of these is love,” from Watson’s (1951, pp. 186-191) anthology.
This story has such compelling effect that could make its reader consider reflecting upon the underlying motives behind interpersonal relationships they form, ambitions nurtured, accomplishments earned and ultimately, the essence of living. It teaches that even if one possesses tremendous faith and hope through which one is able to achieve extraordinarily great accomplishments, without love, these acquisitions become meaningless and amount to nothing because they benefit none asides the one who earned the accomplishments. When love becomes the underlying motive behind our quest to accomplish great things, others also benefit from the outcomes of our accomplishments, just as ourselves. This way, the greater good of society ensues.
In the corporate world where I belong, lofty ambitions are often set in order to accomplish extraordinary things but to what end precisely? From my experiences, I have come to realize that for many people, motives include the quest for self-glory, personal aggrandizement, fame, financial and material fortune, among others.
The lesson in this story helps me realize that while it is not bad to aim high and accomplish greatness unless the motive is rooted in love, kindness, charity and the common good of others, these accomplishments would ultimately result in futility as they would benefit only one, not all! In addition, I better appreciate that it is more important to genuinely solve problems, empower employees and satisfy customers than it is to earn fantastic revenue and amass huge profits. Ironically, in making others happy, not only do we earn revenue, we also earn a deep sense of personal fulfillment which material possessions cannot buy. Our accomplishments should remain ultimately rooted in a genuine desire to love others and in turn, make society a better place for all.
References
Watson, L.E (1951). Light from many lamps. Simon and Schuster Inc.
June 11, 2018 at 4:09 am
I was drawn to this story as well, because this is one of my favourite passages of Scripture, and I appreciate your thoughts. I am not familiar with the corporate world, but I do think that ambition for personal gain is common in almost all environments, and those who can function in love and “consider one another above themselves” stand out in this world. It did cause me to stop and reflect on my own motives as you caused me to remember that anything not done out of love is futile. Thank you for your thoughts.
June 14, 2018 at 6:44 pm
I am drawn to reread the passage after reading your post. Particularly enjoyable were your words, ‘Ironically, in making others happy, not only do we earn revenue, we also earn a deep sense of personal fulfillment which material possessions cannot buy.’ So true. In the corporate world I think there has to be a continual reminder of what is important, to be patient, to look for God’s leading, always with love.