The Ladder of Success

Solomon in Ecclesiastes tells us all about "the ladder of success." Those at the bottom feel oppressed and hopeless. They feel that it would have been better off if they had never been born. Those on the way up who view it as a rivalry fight against their neighbor instead of loving their neighbor as themselves. Those who do nothing and try to deny the ladder's existence starve to death. Those who are motivated only by the drive to succeed are never satisfied; they have no sense of accomplishment no matter what they do. Wind chasers, they end up going around in circles, arriving right back where they started with no sense of joy. Those who make it to the top, even those who started out at the very bottom, find no comfort either. They just end up being the target of everyone's criticism and dissatisfaction.
How then should I approach the ladder? To not get on it is foolish. To see it as a competition causes me to violate the second great commandment. To try to find self-fulfillment on it is impossible. To "make it" only brings conflict and disapproval. What's a Christian to do?
First, do whatever God has called you to do with a sense of His presence to guide you. Fear Him in every decision you make. Loving your neighbor as yourself is required in the business world as well. God's commandments cover every area of your life. Second, remember that "one handful of rest is better than two fists of labor and striving after the wind." Nothing is more essential to maintaining the strength and insight to do what you do well--in a manner that glorifies Him--than times of rest. When it's time to make an important decision, get alone with Him. Find "rest unto your soul." Third, don't do it for yourself or by yourself. Cherish those partners God has given you in the endeavors of life, those who help you up when you fall, those whom you can help up when they fall, those who join hands with you in the face of danger, trials, and testing. Christianity is a group project--and the work God has given you to do is not secular, it's sacred--whatever it is. You can't make it on your own.

You are called to do something with the gifts God has given you.

You are not in a competition but in cooperation.

You need to grab hold of opportunities to rest.

Where you are on the ladder is irrelevant; how you conduct yourself there is sacred.

You will not find fulfillment there; that is found in Christ alone and the depth of your abiding fellowship with Him.

And it's not actually a ladder. "Take up your cross and follow Me."