“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3 NIV)
If you don’t have a goal, you’ll never achieve it.
Paul’s goal in life was to share Jesus. A long time ago a friend posed the question to me:
“What do you want people to say about you when you die?”
My response, after some thought: “She loved the Lord.” Her question made me realize, I want people to talk about my love of God when I die. Not only that, I hope and pray, they love Him even more than I do. If I want it said about me after I’m gone, I have to live it while I’m here on earth.
Answering that question gave me my life goal. In order for that description to become a reality, I realized I needed to live a life that reflected God. The journey began with answering a question. Diving into my response led me into an adventure I couldn’t imagine. God’s reality in my life deepens the more I seek Him. My goal resembles Paul’s more as I experience God’s presence in my life.
Find your goal, find your purpose.
Everyone wants to know why they are here on earth. Helping people find their purpose is something I love to do. Often, the answer is apparent, but seeing it is the problem. We all have visions of grandeur, but in reality, our purpose might not bring fame and fortune in this world, but our crowns in heaven are waiting.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (Matthew 16:27 NIV)
Start by asking the right question: what do you want to be known for after you’re gone? Thinking about our own death isn’t easy, but will help you find your purpose. Knowing our days on earth are numbered, helps us not waste them. For me, the reality of death motivates me to live life to the fullest today.
For instance, each year you have 52 Saturday’s. Over a lifetime of 80 years, that’s 4160. On my birthday a couple of weeks ago, I turned 51. Doing the math, that means I’ve already spent 2,603 of those Saturday’s. The problem is, I don’t remember most of them. They slide by so quickly, we don’t even realize we’re spending them, but once gone, they’re gone for good.
Don’t waste the time God has given you. Ask the question. Find the answer that leads to your life goal.
Question of the Day:
What do you want people to say about you when you die?
Further Reading: Jeremiah 4:19-6:15 NIV, Colossians 1:18-2:7 NIV, Psalm 77 NIV, Proverbs 24:23-25 NIV
