As we stepped into 2025, many of us found ourselves reflecting on our lives, setting goals, and making resolutions. This tradition, dating back to the ancient Babylonians—who resolved to return borrowed farm equipment—shows humanity’s deep-rooted desire for renewal and purpose.
But what if we shifted our focus from just success to true significance?
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17,
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Success is temporary; significance is eternal. We are called to live beyond ourselves, leaving a legacy that outlives us.
In Genesis 5, we find the genealogy from Adam to Noah. The chapter follows a predictable pattern: a person is born, lives for 700 to 900 years, has children, and then dies. Despite their long lifespans, this is all we know about them.
But when we reach Enoch, something changes. The pattern is broken. The Bible doesn’t just list his years—it tells us that he walked faithfully with God.
“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” — Genesis 5:24
While others lived long but left little record, Enoch’s closeness with God set him apart. His life wasn’t measured by years but by his relationship with the Lord. This distinction shows us that those who walk closely with God truly live lives of significance.
The Power of the Holy Spirit: A Glove and a Hand
I once heard an illustration that deeply impacted me:
Imagine a glove lying on a table. You can tell it was made for a purpose—to cover and protect a hand, to do meaningful work. But no matter how much you command the glove to move, it remains lifeless.
Now, when a hand slips into the glove, suddenly, it moves! It can now grasp, build, create, and serve. The glove is only effective when filled by the hand.
This is a picture of our lives. Alone, we may strive for success, but we lack true purpose. However, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we become empowered to live a life of significance.
Jesus assures us in Acts 1:8,
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
He reiterates this in John 16:7, saying,
“Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
The Holy Spirit is our Advocate, Comforter, and Guide. Just like a hand inside a glove, His presence in our lives enables us to live victoriously and meaningfully.
| Consider this: Two Practical Ways to Live a Life of Significance Jesus summed up the essence of a meaningful life in Matthew 22:37-40: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Love God First Enoch’s life teaches us that walking closely with God leads to significance. Prioritize prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. Let your relationship with Him be the foundation of all you do. Love and Serve Others Galatians 5:13 encourages us to “serve one another humbly in love.” Success is often self-focused, but significance comes from pouring into the lives of others. Look for opportunities to encourage, serve, and bless those around you. As we journey through this new year, may we pursue a life that matters—not just in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God. May we be like Enoch, walking so closely with our Creator that our legacy extends into eternity. God bless you as you seek significance over success in 2025! |
