How Are Self-Determination and Self-Reliance Futile Efforts?
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The Futility of Self-Empowerment
“You can be anything you want to be!” This sentiment, along with many others like it, is said by way too many people, way too often. I understand the underlying motive, but it’s a false encouragement. It’s a cliche that is overused and self-defeating.
Early on in my life, my folks told me something similar — ”You can do anything you set your mind to.” This belief in self-empowerment or self-determination is not new. It’s as old as humanity. We see it in the first lie in history when the serpent said to Eve, “You’ll be like God…” (Gen 3:5).
Today, various businesses thrive on the promise of self-determination and human potential.
Psychology and pharmacology led the way in what became a new industry—the self-help or self-improvement business. Americans work hard to improve their lives through counseling, personal trainers/coaches, supplements, and cosmetic fixes like Botox.
Overused cliches flood everyday speech and turn well-intentioned encouragements into meaningless slogans. King Solomon used a phrase throughout the book of Ecclesiastes that describes these trite sayings — "Absolutely pointless...!" (Eccl 1:1 GW). A more current way to say it is, "It's a waste of time!"
Much of this over-the-top self-motivation applies to efforts to get ahead in life. Or, to use another trite expression — “Make something of yourself!” It produces a drive to strive for things that are empty in themselves.
As Solomon says in another place in Ecclesiastes —
But when I turned to look at all that I had accomplished and all the hard work I had put into it, I saw that it was all pointless. It was like trying to catch the wind. (Eccl 2:11)
Scripture
A song by Solomon for going up to worship.
If the Lord does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it.
If the Lord does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert.
It is useless to work hard for the food you eat by getting up early and going to bed late.
The Lord gives food to those he loves while they sleep. [vss 1-2]
Children are an inheritance from the Lord. They are a reward from him.
The children born to a man when he is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them.
He will not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the city gate. [vss 3-5]
(Psalms 127:1-5 GW) [Context– Psalm 127]
Reflections and Insights
Psalm 127 is attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom (Proverbs), but also a life of excess (1 Kings 10:23, 24, 26; 11:3). His life of excess corrupted him, but it also taught him important life lessons.
America is an affluent nation, fixated on self-absorbed hedonism in pursuit of a risk-free life. Americans want bigger, more beautiful homes, and fail-safe security, and we’re willing to scheme and work for it. But the cost is steep. It is a pointless pursuit and unhealthy for the body or soul.
When we make priorities of the wrong things, our values get distorted, and our life gets turned upside down. This is the primary message of the first half of this psalm. The psalmist gives a reassuring promise at the end of verse 2 — “The Lord gives food to those he loves while they sleep.”
We can trust Him for everything. Implicit trust in the Lord pays plentiful dividends and provides contentment and peace of mind.
Either we strive for more while sacrificing relationships and sleep, or we find contentment through trusting in the Lord. King Solomon realized this at the end of his life (Eccl 12:13-14). This is a daily choice. How long will it take for you to learn this lesson?
The second half of Psalm 127 speaks of our legacy. If our legacy is based on what we accomplish and accumulate along the way, it ends with our last breath. But if our legacy is our family, then we will have a lasting legacy.
We can see a simple contrast between the two halves of this psalm. In the first two verses, the emphasis is on self-determination and self-reliance. The last three verses encourage a confidence in the Lord extending beyond our lives, “in the city gate”.
Jesus spoke of much the same thing, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. He summed it up this way—
Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you. So don’t ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:32-34 GW)
The choice is ours and one we need to keep making. Each day, throughout the day. Will you be driven to strive for fame and fortune, or rest with a confidence in the Lord of all?
Reflection—
Do you spend more time striving and worrying, or have you learned to rest and trust in the Lord? Remember — “The Lord gives food to those he loves while they sleep.”
Prayer Focus—
When you feel caught up in the swirl of striving, pause, take a deep breath, and then ask the Lord to help you put your trust in Him. Share all your needs and concerns with the Lord through prayer, then rest in Him. Be confident and content in His faithfulness.
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