Life and hope are closely connected. Let’s consider how these are expressed by the ancient parable of a living dog, dead lion.
Dominance is Temporal
We’re familiar with the concept of peak earning years.
At some point, our power and influence in our career will taper off unless we choose to exit at our peak.
We spend lots of time in training and preparing for those few, peak years.
But, the reality is that no leader, organization, team, or country can stay on top forever.
Dynasties simply don’t last indefinitely. Empires come and go. Market dominance can be fleeting. Being a celebrity is short-lived, at best.
In short, lions don’t live forever!
Purpose is Sustainable
Given that dominance is temporal, what can be sustained?
We can sustain focus on our life’s purpose for this current season of life. We can choose to live with intention – – right now.
Truly, living for fame is self-focused. However, to #LiveWithPurposeOnPurpose is most often others-focused.
Purpose drives us to consider our impact. That is, to build a legacy. And, to consider what’s of greatest, long-term value.
Therefore, clarity of life purpose is a source of hope – – for our own future and for our life’s impact.
Actually, that hope is the living dog in the parable!
Life should be marked by hope, even if our power and influence are time-limited. Ecclesiastes 9.4 paraphrase. proverbsforprofessionals.net
An Ancient Parable
In Ecclesiastes 9.4 Solomon states the root of the saying: “Where there’s life there’s hope.”
He expects our life to be marked by hope, thus our belief in what’s to come – – if we choose to grow.
Moreover, he assumes that we’re wise about the foundation for that hope.
Solomon draws a contrast, in Ecclesiastes 9.5, between being alive and being dead. Hence, no life, no hope.
He pushes this contrast with a blunt statement in Ecclesiastes 9.4 “…a living dog is better than a dead lion.”
As such, being ferocious, brave, and at the top of the food chain doesn’t last. Those traits are of no value once we’re dead.
And, according to Ecclesiastes 9.5, once dead we’re quickly forgotten!
Well, at least a living dog can hope that things will get better!
Apply This Today!
A growth mindset is evidence of being a “living dog.” We don’t have to be a dominating lion to enjoy personal and professional growth.
Being famous, or powerful, or wealthy in the past is of limited value in the present. So, rather than live a Used To life, we should place our hope in a Can Be life.
One danger of a lion mindset is the arrogance and sense of invincibility that comes with temporal dominance. We must recognize the lasting value of traits like gratitude and humility if we’re to be a lasting influence.
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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