"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." - Steve Jobs
The above quote has been circulated profusely since the death of Apple’s brilliant CEO Steve Jobs. Many find it inspiring. This quote was given at a graduation ceremony in 2005.
However, I find it disturbing.
As a spiritual leader I have to look at things differently. Words are powerful(1): words lead to thoughts, thoughts lead to action, and actions form our character(2).
So from a christian perspective what does this quote teach?
Steve urges us not to be “trapped by dogma.”
Dogma is defined as “a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true:”
As Christians we follow the “dogma” of Jesus Christ, in other words we do live by someone else’s teaching. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;” Gal 2:20
Lastly Steve’s quote ask us to follow our “inner voice,” “to follow your heart and intuition.” Christianity warns us that our heart can deceive us(3) and encourages us to follow the leading of the Spirit of God(4).
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When I read Steve’s quote it can be summarized in one dangerous phrase, “do what you will!”
I say no thanks Steve, I would rather do God’s will!
What are your thoughts?
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1 Matt 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
2 Prov 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
3 Jer 17:9 “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desparately sick; who can understand it?
4 John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
