Frank Sinatra, one of the WWII generation's favorite crooners and a Hollywood star has an enduring fan base. Some of his tunes are now being recycled by contemporary artists. One of his hits, was "I Did It My Way." The lyrics go like this:
"And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exception
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way
Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall
And did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried
I've had my fill, my share of losing
And now, as tears subside
I find it all so amusing to think I did all that
And may I say, not in a shy way
Oh, no, oh, no, not me, I did it my way
For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it my way
Yes, it was my way"
However you rate the lyrics as poetry, they seem to be the reflections of a man in old age or near death. These are the words of a rugged individualist---one who expresses pride in his sense of autonomy---a man who has made his own way in the world. He is not one who kneels to anyone.
These lyrics reflect a prominent theme of American culture—rugged individualism. While some may admire such sentiments and regard such a lifestyle as dignified and courageous, for Christians such an attitude, when we encounter it, should evoke sadness and perhaps pity, for there is no meaning beyond the individual's own will and preferences. From a Christian point of view, such an individual has missed the real meaning and purpose of life. It is also disturbing to think that Stalin and Hitler could have sung "I Did It My Way" with gusto.
"For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels"
These words seem to indicate that he is his own final reference point. Such a person remains oblivious to the true reference point—the One through Whom all things were created and to Whom he or she ultimately must bow.
We might also ask what ethical principles guided "his way" of making decisions and his actions? What was his point of reference? Did he have some type of moral compass? If so, on what foundation did it rest? Did "his way" happen to involve taking advantage of others to advance his career? Or, did his preferences, "his way" lead him to treat others with dignity and respect?
Perhaps individuals who adopt the "I did it my way" philosophy believe that our present existence is all we can know. We cannot be accountable for what is hidden from our view. After all, how can God, if there be a God, expect us to know His purpose? I once had a conversation with a person who stated, that ". . . if God wants to save souls, He can do so. Otherwise, if we go into oblivion and non-being that's simply the way it is." As an agnostic, he could not believe there was any need to question or seek. He did not believe God had any basis for holding him accountable. This man was undoubtedly a decent person and did not demonstrate the swagger reflected in the lyrics of "I Did It My Way." However, his underlying assumptions were similar.
In the end, these individuals must be haunted by the conclusion that their lives have no final meaning or significance, given their view of reality. They must face the possibility that when they pass from this life, they will go into darkness and be forgotten. Perhaps their lives and words express a protest against what they perceive as a grim fact. They might say, "At least I will have accomplished my will and 'lived life to the hilt,' even if the sands of time will blot out the footprints of my life." However, such persons could also be haunted by the possibility of the unknown. Like Shakespeare's Hamlet reflecting in his "To be or not to be" soliloquy, one could fear facing the possibility of some sort of judgment or reckoning to be encountered beyond this life.
"Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovered country, from whose bourn
No traveler returns, puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others we know not of?"
As Christians we are called to a very different life, centered, not on ourselves, but on Jesus Christ. We struggle against being directed by our own egos, and strive to subject our wills to God's will and God's Word. We do not seek to be our own final reference point. Of course, we cannot fulfill this mandate perfectly in this life, for there is the war within---the constant battle between our dark side and our better instincts. But, far from being an escape or a crutch for those unable to face life's challenges, tragedies, and ambiguities, the life of faith requires discipline, the willingness to serve others, to forgive, face opposition, misunderstanding, and even persecution, and finally to trust in God's ultimate purpose even in the face of circumstances that seem to contradict that assurance.
Those who defiantly assert their autonomy in this life will ultimately kneel in submission to Christ. As Paul states in his letter to the Philippians, ". . . that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."