Ask yourself, So what?

Neil Armstrong made his first moon walk on July 20, 1969, two months before I entered college. I remember that many Americans were euphoric about this accomplishment. There were songs written, celebrations, ticker tape parades, and coins depicting an eagle landing on the moon.

Yet what really stands out in my memory was a poster on a classmate's dorm-room wall. It looked like the front page of a newspaper's special edition. The large photo dominating the upper half of the page showed Armstrong in his space suit, visor down, planting the U.S. flag into lunar soil. The banner headline screamed, "So what?"

I think the "So what?" poster was questioning whether the billions poured into the space program were justifiable while people in the U.S. and around the world were still suffering from hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and poor health care. Stewardship was the issue the poster was raising.

Most would agree the space program has been well worth its expense. The many spin-offs are not the only benefit. This great achievement forever transformed our assumptions of what is possible.

We should ask ourselves, "So what?" at the very moment we accomplish anything we are tempted to label "great." We should do this so habitually that we learn to ask it at the beginning of a project, not just at its end. Is this thing into which I am pouring so much of my time, money, and energy really worth it all? Will it change the world for the better? Will it change me?

The Master asked, "So what?" again and again. He wanted his disciples to count the cost, to inspect the fruit, to look down the broad road and up the narrow road. Many of His parables have to do with Judgment Day. The fire of judgment will burn up all the unworthy pursuits and the fly-by-night goals. What survives will be only what can face such a probing question with solid confidence.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

---

Attain Instant Results With Goal Setting Tools

Your path to the successful accomplishment of your goals can... Read More

When You See Money as a Tool in Your Goal Setting Process, You Will Lead a More Balanced Life

Where Does Money Fit In the Goal Setting Process?Some view... Read More

Goal Setting and Goal Getting: Go Use This Stuff!

Q. I have always had such trouble with doing this... Read More

If You Dont Know Where Youre Going, Any Road Will Get You There

What do you want to achieve?Before you actually set up,... Read More

Set Goals In Life

It is important to set goals in life. To accomplish... Read More

Manage Your Expectations ... And Raise The Bar On Your Quality Of Life!

When I was a newbie in 'the game of life,'... Read More

Not Satisfied With Where You Are; STOP - Change The Action Change The Outcome

"If you keep on doing what you have always done,... Read More

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

(excerpted from the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan)Jim Rohn's Second... Read More

What Words Will They Chisel Into Your Tombstone?

One day you will inevitably die. A morbid statement, I... Read More

Ingredients That Make A Winner

Whether we like to admit it or not, other people's... Read More

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

The Hasidic master, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach taught that on Passover... Read More

Goals On The Wall - What Do Minnie Driver And Genghis Khan Have In Common?

Surprisingly few people regularly make lists of their goals and... Read More

Focal Point Of Success

Fortune will flow into your hands like a river flow... Read More

Six Keys To Build Vision - Point Six

6.Recognise that all vision has seasonal components within it· Vision... Read More

Why, When You Set Goals, Do You Fail to Reach Them?

Why is it when you set goals for yourself most... Read More

Establishing Dreams and Goals

(Excerpted from Week Six of the Jim Rohn One-Year Success... Read More

Idiots Guide to Goal Setting: 5 Steps to Success

Weve all read about personal goal setting. Weve all tried... Read More

Keep a Dream Journal: Why Bother?

Want a key to unlock your inner wisdom? Try keeping... Read More

How to Improve Your Life Every Day

Growing Towards ExcellenceWould you like to become a better person?... Read More

Successful Goal Setting and Achievement

The first step to success, of course, is to set... Read More

Combining the Mind and Effective Goal-Setting

Goals are of vital importance in our lives. Many of... Read More

21 Life Changing Questions You Cant Afford to Not Ask!

Imagine finally taking off seven coats you've been wearing on... Read More

Self Improvement and the Importance of Flexibility

People who want to achieve success in their lives and... Read More

Is There An Anxiety Solution For Those Who Fail To Keep Their Resolutions?

In a nutshell... YES!I've given a lot of thought recently... Read More

Your Goals Are Unique

We have just begun another new year in our lives.... Read More

How To Become A Polished Public Speaker In Just One (1) Day

The fear of speaking in public ranks right up there... Read More

The Magic of Writing Goals in your life!

Goal setting is an important technique used by athletes, successful... Read More

Who Needs a Rear-view Mirror? Successful Living by Mastering Our Past

When driving, we need to check our rear-view mirror every... Read More

Keeping the Dream Alive

Like the song by Linda Ronstadt, "a dream is a... Read More

Seven Steps To Planning A Successful Future

Being successful in life is difficult unless you ensure you... Read More

A Winner Never Uses Chance or Luck to Win

In games of chance, what separates a player from a... Read More

Commitment

A true commitment is a heart felt promise to yourself,... Read More

Be Selfish With Your Goals

All too often good-intentioned people set forth goals designed to... Read More