Beyond the Measure of Earthly Standards.
By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
In a world driven by material wealth, power, and social status, it is easy to lose sight of the truth that lies at the core of our being. We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us what we should be, what we should have, and how we should measure our worth. We are urged to chase after success as defined by the world—to accumulate possessions, to achieve financial security, to gain recognition and fame. But deep within us, there is a voice, often drowned out by the noise of the world, that whispers a different truth: we are more than the sum of our worldly achievements. We are more than flesh and bone, more than consumers of goods, more than seekers of fleeting pleasures. We are beings of light, created with a purpose far greater than what this world can offer.
As we navigate through life, it is easy to become entangled in the web of societal expectations. We are told that prosperity is the ultimate goal, that it is the key to happiness and fulfillment. But if we pause to reflect, we will realize that while prosperity can bring comfort and ease, it does not define who we truly are. The world’s standards are shallow, focusing on the external and the temporary, but our true essence is much deeper, rooted in the eternal connection we share with our Creator.
Consider the story of Alexander the Great, a man who conquered vast territories and amassed unimaginable wealth. He was revered and feared, his name known far and wide. Yet, as he lay on his deathbed, Alexander realized that all his achievements, all his riches, and all his power were meaningless in the face of death. In his final moments, he expressed three wishes that revealed the profound spiritual awakening he experienced too late in life. He asked that his physicians carry his coffin, to show that no doctor can save a person from death; that the path to his grave be strewn with gold, silver, and precious stones, to illustrate that the wealth he had accumulated was useless in the end; and that his hands be left hanging out of the coffin, so that the world could see that he was leaving it empty-handed. Alexander’s story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how much we achieve in this life, we cannot take any of it with us when we depart from this world.
It is easy to be seduced by the glitter of wealth and the allure of success. We are often made to believe that our worth is tied to our possessions, our status, or our physical appearance. But these are all temporary, fleeting things that do not define who we are at the core. We are more than the clothes we wear, the cars we drive, the houses we live in. We are more than the titles we hold, the accolades we receive, the fame we achieve. Our true worth lies not in what we have, but in who we are—a reflection of the divine, created with a purpose that goes beyond the material and the physical.
It is important to remember that while prosperity can bring us comfort, it is not the ultimate measure of our success. True success is found in the state of our hearts and souls, in our connection with the Creator, and in how we live our lives in accordance with the divine purpose for which we were created. We are here not to accumulate wealth, but to grow in love, compassion, and wisdom. We are here to make a difference in the lives of others, to leave a legacy of kindness, and to nurture our spiritual connection with the Creator.
The world may tell us that we need to have more, to be more, to achieve more, but the Creator calls us to a different standard. We are called to live lives that are rich in love, faith, and integrity, to cultivate our inner selves, and to nurture our relationship with the divine. This is the only thing that lasts forever—the bond we share with our Creator, the light within us that is a reflection of the divine.
There is a profound peace that comes from understanding that we are not defined by the standards of the world. When we realize that our worth is not determined by our possessions or our status, we are freed from the endless pursuit of material success. We no longer need to chase after things that do not bring lasting fulfillment. Instead, we can focus on what truly matters—our spiritual growth, our relationships with others, and our connection with the Creator.
It is never too late to turn inward and reflect on what truly matters in life. We do not need to wait until we are on our deathbed, like Alexander, to realize the futility of worldly pursuits. We can begin now, in this moment, to align our lives with our true purpose. We can start by letting go of the need to conform to the world’s standards, by seeking to nurture our inner selves, and by deepening our relationship with the Creator.
This is not an easy journey. It requires us to look beyond the superficial and the temporary, to see ourselves as more than the roles we play, more than the possessions we own, more than the images we project to the world. It requires us to cultivate a deep sense of self-worth that is not tied to external factors, but is rooted in the knowledge that we are loved and valued by the Creator.
I speak these words not just to you, but to myself as well. I, too, have struggled with the pull of the world, with the temptation to measure my worth by the standards of others. I have had to remind myself, time and time again, that I am more than my achievements, more than my possessions, more than the opinions of others. I am a child of the Creator, created with a purpose that goes beyond the material and the physical.
I do not claim to have all the answers, nor do I claim to be perfect. I have my own struggles, my own shortcomings, my own moments of doubt. But I am committed to this journey, to seeking the truth that lies within, to nurturing my spiritual connection with the Creator, and to living a life that is aligned with my true purpose.
As we navigate this journey together, let us remember that we are not defined by the world’s standards. We are more than flesh and bone, more than consumers of goods, more than seekers of fleeting pleasures. We are beings of light, created with a purpose that transcends the material and the physical. Let us live in a way that reflects this truth, that honors our connection with the Creator, and that brings us closer to the divine.
There is more to you than a dollar, more to you than a title, more to you than physical attraction or the enjoyment of the flesh. You are a soul on a journey, a journey that goes beyond this life and into the eternal. The only thing that lasts forever is your connection with the Creator, the light that you carry within you. Nurture that light, cherish that connection, and live in a way that honors your true self.
In the end, it is not the wealth we accumulate, the fame we achieve, or the possessions we own that matter. What matters is the state of our hearts, the love we have given, the difference we have made in the lives of others, and the connection we have nurtured with the Creator. These are the things that will last, that will carry us through this life and into the next.
So let us live with intention, with purpose, with a deep sense of who we truly are. Let us not be swayed by the standards of the world, but let us be guided by the light within us, the light that connects us to the Creator. Let us strive to live lives that are rich in love, faith, and integrity, that reflect the divine purpose for which we were created.
Let us also remember the lesson of Alexander, who realized too late that the pursuit of worldly success had left him empty. Let us not wait until we are at the end of our lives to recognize the futility of material pursuits. Let us begin now, in this moment, to align our lives with our true purpose, to cultivate our inner selves, and to deepen our connection with the Creator.
There is so much more to you than what the world sees. You are a being of light, created with a purpose that transcends the material and the physical. Live in a way that reflects this truth, and you will find a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that comes from knowing that you are loved and valued by the Creator.
And as you continue on this journey, remember these words:
The light within you,
Shines brighter than worldly gold
A beacon of truth.
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