A friend sent me the essay below written by Steve Jobs:
The last words of Steve Jobs –
“I have come to the pinnacle of success in business. In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success. However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed. At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death. In the dark, when I look at green lights, of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me.
Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth. It should be something more important: For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood. No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me.
God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me. I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love. This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, he will give strength and light to go ahead.
Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands.
What is the world’s most expensive bed? The hospital bed. You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you. Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life. Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls.
Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends . . . Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbors.”
What a shame that this billionaire didn’t realize some of the truths he revealed while on his deathbed while he was alive and vibrant. What tremendous strides might this genius have made had he followed God instead of the world. His agonizing, haunting words come from the grave to remind us that this life will end all too quickly. Jesus Christ and His joy, peace, and love were there for him all along, but he missed his opportunity opting for the fleeting material things of the world instead. As his journey towards death and then the judgment drew nigh, he finally began to realize it, but alas his time had expired.
This is rather depressing but we can take cheer because Jesus overcame the world and it is not too late for us to follow Christ and finish well. What are you going to work towards today? Selah . . .
1 Cor. 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
February 16, 2016 – Click here to listen