My goal is …
Summary: Goals are an important part of living, and spiritual goals are no different.
Popular sales trainer and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar was known for saying, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing.” The wisdom of his saying is undeniable. What we aim for in life determines, to a large extent, where we end up and what we do.
Paul knew what he was aiming for. His goal for the believers who had not yet met him was the same goal he had for those who knew him: He wanted them to understand the Gospel.
It seems likely that Paul had never personally been to Colossae. In his letter to the church in Rome, he explains:
“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” (Romans 15:20)
It is Paul’s goal to preach Jesus wherever the Gospel has not yet been heard. Yet, it is clear he wants the true Gospel to be understood equally well at all the churches, not just the ones he started.
As we think about what Paul is saying here, it is worth considering his example. Do we have a goal, too?
Another Zig Ziglar saying goes like this: “If you want to know what is really important to you, look at your checkbook and your calendar.“
There is a lot of wisdom in this saying, too!
Paul’s checkbook was almost always empty because he poured his money into his mission for God. His calendar, on the other hand, was always full. He was never lacking for someone to share the Gospel with.
Paul’s goal came from Jesus. His mission was clear, and he lived it every day. Jesus has a mission for us, too. The simple version is to love God above all else and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22: 37-40). The long version includes details specific to who God made you to be.
Application: If you don’t know your goal, ask God. He’ll tell you.
Food for Thought: What happens to Christians who don’t have a goal?
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