I have known two pilots in my short life. One flew commercial airliners in the South Pacific, and the other flew bush planes in the Arctic Circle. Both men loved God and wanted to use their gifts in service to Christ. But neither thought of their profession as a gift. They understood that their ability to fly planes was special, and they understood that when they flew it was part of following Jesus; but, when they examined the secret ambitions they held down deep, they realized there was more to life than flying. The airline pilot devoted himself to education, using his prestige to influence young people and inspire them to rise above their circumstances. The bush pilot devoted himself to humanitarian aid, using his contacts up north as a means of getting into otherwise hostile territory.
Our achievements can either be an end unto themselves, or they can be folded into our lives as one component of who we are before God. They can either be idols—things we look at that distract us, that seem like they deserve acclaim and require we pay special attention to them—or they can be icons—things that cause us to direct our praise and thanksgiving to God, requiring we employ them for his use.
Keep achieving. Keep your achievements in mind. And remember to trace those achievements back to God and the person He made you to be.
