Children sometimes play a game in which they ask each other, “What would you rather be?” Then, they list a couple of choices. For example, a child might ask his friend, “What would you rather be, a musician or an actor?” When it is her turn, the friend might respond, “What would you rather be, a plumber or an electrician?”
Sometimes the choices and answers can lead to a serious discussion of a person’s hopes and prospects for the future. Other times, the game is merely a fun way to explore absurdities. “What would you rather be, a brick or a rock?” Still other times, it is whimsical. “What would you rather be, a cat or a dog?”
Whether the choices given are realistic, whimsical or absurd, the answers can reveal something about the personality and character of the persons playing the game. For example it might show whether someone prefers to work with his hands or with his mind, whether he likes to be in an environment where there are lots of people or be by himself, whether he is self-centered or more focused on others.
A variation of the game is to ask, “What would you rather have?” The answers can uncover what a person’s values are. And a person’s values are far more important than what kind of work environment he or she would prefer. Our values determine what we will pursue and how we pursue it.
Some people value material things above all else. They want wealth or possessions and they will do whatever it takes to obtain them. If they have to cheat, or do something dishonest to get what they want, they will do so if they think they have a reasonable chance of not getting caught.
Others value position, power or influence. In order to obtain it they will even betray friends or break their word.
However, the problem with material possessions and power is that they are temporary. However much we might crave them now, they will not last beyond this life. Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37 NIV)
Even during this life some things are truly more valuable than others. What good are material possessions if we have no peace? What good is position or power if no one respects us? As King Solomon wrote long ago, “Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.” (Proverbs 15:17 NIV)
What would you rather have, material possessions or the love and respect of those around you?