Finding Contentment in a World Full of Achievement

In our fast-paced, achievement-oriented society, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life. We often find ourselves comparing our own accomplishments to the seemingly perfect lives of others. A conversation I recently had with a friend highlighted this struggle. She was feeling overwhelmed by everything she had to accomplish, and I tried to reassure her by saying, "It's okay to not get some things done. You just don't have the bandwidth right now." My intention was to help her recognize that she didn’t have to do it all and that it was okay to acknowledge her limits. However, after our conversation, I learned she had broken down in tears, interpreting my words as "You don't have what it takes to accomplish everything you want to do. You aren't enough."

This incident is a reflection of a broader issue many of us face. We look at our lives, just trying to keep up, and then we see others who seem to accomplish so much more. They appear to have more energy, resources, or time. They’re homeschooling their kids, running successful businesses, making sourdough bread, taking luxurious vacations, and living a life that seems unattainable. It’s easy to wonder, "How do they do it? Why can't I get that much done?" This line of thinking often leads to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, as if we should be doing more or be further along in life.

King Solomon’s Perspective on Achievement

King Solomon, one of the wisest and wealthiest men to ever live, offers us a crucial perspective on this issue. In Ecclesiastes 2:4-9, Solomon lists his numerous achievements:

"I undertook great projects. I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. I amassed silver and gold for myself and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers and a harem as well—the delights of a man's heart. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this, my wisdom stayed with me."

If King Solomon had been on social media, his posts would likely have been the envy of many. He accomplished more than most could dream of and had all the wealth and luxury that one could desire. Yet, despite all his successes, Solomon’s message was not one of self-congratulation. Instead, he frequently emphasized the phrase "under the sun," reminding us to keep life in perspective.

The Reality Behind the Achievements

There are two key realities that Solomon’s reflections bring to light, which are just as relevant today as they were in his time.

First, there will always be people who seem to be doing more than us, and that’s okay. We all have different capacities, and we must trust that what God has given us is enough to accomplish what He has called us to do. The Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy is equally important: “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment doesn’t come from doing everything or being the best at everything; it comes from trusting that what we have and who we are is enough in God’s eyes.

Second, the achievements we see on the outside, especially on social media, often don’t reflect the full reality. People craft the perfect image of their lives online, but they rarely show the backstory. We don’t see the high price they may be paying for their success—whether it’s strained relationships, lost family time, or a constant struggle with anxiety and depression. When we judge our lives based on other people’s achievements without understanding the full picture, we set ourselves up for constant disappointment and the false belief that we aren’t enough.

Your Value Comes from God

The trap of believing that our value is tied to our achievements is a dangerous one. The truth is that our value comes from God and who He made us to be, not from what we accomplish. If we do achieve anything significant in life, it should be driven by a desire to honor God, not to gain the approval of others or to compete with them.

May we strive to be the best we can be and accomplish all that God has for us, but also recognize that true success comes from honoring God with whatever we have, no matter how little it may seem. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more and be more, let us find peace in the knowledge that our worth is not determined by our achievements but by the love and purpose God has for each of us right here under the sun.

Part 1: Wisdom for When You Want to Check Out
Part 2: Finding Contentment in a World Full of Achievement
Part 3: Is Getting What You Want Leaving You Empty?

Photo Credit: SWN Design