Ask the typical, worn out CEO who just got back from his local work-aholic anonymous meeting.   His chapter meets once a year due to lack of time.  He makes millions a year, millions more in stock options, works 100 hours a week, and has very little time for his family (whoever is left), friends (no time), or things he or she truly enjoys (work, work, and more work).  Often priorities become one dimensional when money is used as a measure of success.  Balance is truly achieved when God is first, family is second, career is third, and your spiritual, physical, mental, and financial priorities are in order.  Money can never be a true measure of success.

A great formula involves two Cs and Two Ss:

Christ:  By putting Christ first in our lives, the pieces seem to fall into place.  When we abandon Him and try to face the world on our own, we often fail miserably. When we set our benchmark as the closeness we have to Him, nothing else compares.

Compassion:   This involves the act of helping those around us who are in less than ideal situations.  There are millions suffering from hunger, disease, depression, despair.  In a chaotic world, we are called to bring salt and light to this earth. Unselfish acts of compassion are always a victory no matter how small.

Sacrificing for others:  We often give money, yet forget the most important element, which is the giving of ourselves.  Like Christ sacrificed for others, his example shows us that every person in this world is equal.  No one person has greater importance on this earth.  We should be willing to help our brother.  To unwrap ourselves from our own lives and be on the lookout for opportunities to serve others.  I am just as guilty as the next guy.  Lord, please change my heart and attitude so that I may be more willing to sacrifice myself for your glory.  May I be an example to those that do not know you and may I be used as your vessel to do your will on this earth.   When this is prayed with honesty and sincerity, God will provide opportunities.

Significance:  We often think of significance in terms of ourselves.  How can we be significant?  What if the world was not just about you?   For some, this may be a shocking revelation.  The world is not about you.  There is something much larger, much greater.  That is fulfilling God’s purpose for you.  It may be a small or large part in the play.  Learn your lines, rehearse, and get ready you are always on the great stage of life.