all devotionals

Is Your Ladder Leaning Against the Right Wall?

Climbing quickly means nothing if you’re on the wrong ladder. True success comes from aligning your direction with your values, calling, and God’s priorities.

A mentor once shared with me a powerful experience from his early career. He was ambitious, driven, and eager to succeed quickly. 

He poured everything he had into climbing the corporate ladder, working tirelessly to earn promotions, bigger paychecks, and the praise of others. 

His effort paid off, as he quickly moved up, achieving impressive success at an early age.

But one evening, after another long day at the office, he sat quietly in his impressive corner office overlooking the city lights, and a sobering realization suddenly hit him: he felt completely empty.

Don’t spend your life climbing a ladder that’s leaning against the wrong wall.

It wasn't that success itself was bad. The problem was that his success didn’t align with his deepest values or true calling. 

He had moved quickly, but his speed didn’t matter because his direction was off.

Proverbs 14:12 captures this truth vividly: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."

Many of us face a similar risk. We often chase after what seems successful, important, or impressive to others, only to realize—sometimes too late—that our ladder was leaning against the wrong wall.

Jesus teaches clearly in Matthew 6:33 about priorities: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Our direction matters far more than our pace.

In a culture that constantly encourages speed and instant success, it’s easy to overlook whether we’re truly on the right path. 

But climbing quickly in the wrong direction leads only to burnout, disappointment, and a sense of emptiness. 

So, instead of striving to move faster, I encourage you to carefully examine where you’ve placed your ladder, ensuring it truly leads to a fulfilling and meaningful destination.

This is some text inside of a div block.
sponsored by
This is some text inside of a div block.

More American Christian Articles

Unlock The Key to Endless Motivation

Unlock joy and motivation by loving the process, not just the result. Reframe struggles as growth to fuel lasting progress.

The Superpower for Overcoming Life’s Challenges

Transform challenges into strength through gratitude. Shift focus to the good and build resilience in tough times.

The Courage to Be Vulnerable: A New Standard for Strength

Redefine strength as courage and vulnerability. Embrace empathy and integrity to deepen connections, grow, and lead with purpose.

The Life-Changing Benefits of Gratitude

Gratitude rewires your brain, fosters resilience, and unlocks creativity.