"Je ne donnerai de la valeur à rien de ce que j'ai ou pourrais posséder, excepté en relation avec le royaume du Christ"

The essence of this quote is about prioritizing one’s spiritual values above material possessions. It’s saying that the only thing that truly matters is how our possessions and achievements serve a higher purpose — in this case, the kingdom of Christ. All other values and desires should be secondary.

Historically, this quote reflects a perspective rooted in deep religious conviction. The person who said it, David Livingstone, was a 19th-century missionary and explorer. His life was dedicated to serving others and spreading his faith. He wasn’t interested in wealth or fame for their sake, but only in how they could help him fulfill his mission.

Imagine a scenario: a successful businesswoman, let’s call her Sarah, has everything she ever dreamed of — a thriving company, a beautiful home, and financial security. Despite her success, she often feels a sense of emptiness. One day, she stumbles upon an old diary of her great-grandfather, who was a missionary. Inspired by his dedication and selflessness, she begins volunteering at a local shelter, using her business acumen to help the shelter run more efficiently. Over time, Sarah realizes that the joy and fulfillment she gets from helping others far outweighs the satisfaction she gets from her material possessions. Her priorities shift, and she starts valuing her possessions only in terms of how they can serve her newfound purpose.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by identifying what truly matters to you at a deeper level. Is it just the next promotion, the bigger house, or something more fulfilling? Reflect on how your possessions can be tools to help you achieve this higher purpose. It might mean using your car to give rides to those in need, or your cooking skills to feed the homeless. The key is to align your material possessions with your values and beliefs.

Let me tell you about my friend, John. John was a lawyer with a lucrative career. He had everything — a fancy car, a big house, and a six-figure salary. But he always felt something was missing. One day, he decided to take a sabbatical to volunteer at a legal aid clinic. Initially, he thought he’d just be giving back to the community, but he ended up finding his true calling. John started valuing his time and skills in terms of the difference he could make in people’s lives. He eventually left his high-paying job and started his own non-profit law firm. John’s story shows that when you place value on what you have in terms of how it serves a greater purpose, life becomes more meaningful and satisfying.

In the end, it’s about looking beyond the surface. Possessions and achievements are fleeting, but the impact you make and the lives you touch — that’s lasting. So, next time you’re chasing after the next big thing, take a moment to think about why you want it. Is it just for you, or could it be for something greater?