When Planning Your Career

I say to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly. -- Rom. 12:3

"Hitch your chariot to a star," is an old saying that has been repeating thousands of times to thousands of young people, the object being to encourage them to aim high. There are many young people these days who are hitching their chariots to stars-"movie stars." But most of them never star. In many other directions young people often go out chasing star careers, only tom come back later disappointed.

"Ambition's cradle oftenest is its grave," said Longfellow. And he adds, "Most people would succeed in small things if they were not troubled with great ambitions."

It is well for young people to aim high. But they need also to guard against being led away into vain pursuits through an exaggerated notion of their ability and gifts. Great are the disappointments that come to those who become obsessed with dreams of careers that are beyond their reach. These disappointments produce the most unfortunate results. One is discouragement and despondency. Often they cause one to become cynical and bitter. They frequently make one jealous and critical of the achievements of others. In many cases the result is premature old age.

As to moral and spiritual ideals, he who aims at anything less than the highest aims too low. But when it comes to find one's place in the practical world, there is such a thing as out measuring oneself and his potentialities. "Let no man think of himself more highly than he ought to think," says Paul. And he was speaking of the matter of gifts and talents. Think soberly here, lest you become the victim of false hopes. Let it be a star within your radius, when you go about hitching your chariot to a star. Do not suffer your life to be spoiled by a "vaulting ambition which overleaps itself." Study to "know thyself," consider well your potential powers and possibilities, counsel with friends more experienced and wiser than you are, and above all make it a matter of earnest prayer and searching to find God's will and plan for your life-when planning your career.