Eternity Should Shape My Goals

In review of 1 Corinthians 9:26a it says, “I run with purpose in every step.”

Bottom Line:

Run as if you have purpose in every step

What this means to me:

Because there is an eternal prize at stake, I have purpose in every step, I am not without a goal or wander aimlessly, but move straight toward the finish line. I should not be wasting any punches.

One thing for me to remember is that God’s purposes for my life aren’t just for here and now; they are forever and ever and ever. If I come to think this life is all there is, then I’d be setting goals as if this life is all there is.

One day I will stand before God, and he’ll ask, “What did you do while you were on Earth? Did you learn the things I put you there to learn? Did you trust my Son?” Given this perspective, it should shape how I look at my goals.

My goals should be ones that help me know, grow, serve, share, love, and tell others about God. When I pray I shouldn’t only be praying for my own goals, but ones that align myself with God’s purpose. I should be praying, “God, I just want to do what you put me on Earth to do.” If I do, God will likely bless what I’m doing, as he is looking for those he can use to fulfill his purposes.

A godly goal will eternity in mind. Paul’s example was, “I run with purpose in every step” (1 Corinthians 9:26a). Paul was a purpose driven runner. He refused to be distracted.

Life can be compared to as a race. In a race, the finish line is predetermined, and you make progress one step at a time. The same is true with goals. I work on them one step at a time, and I should work on them with purpose in every step.

In summary, because there is an eternal prize at stake, I should have purpose in every step. I am not be without a goal or wander aimlessly, but move straight toward the finish line and not be wasting any punches. I find myself often planning my goals around this life only. I don’t give much thought to eternity. I know it’s there and I’ll inherit it, but I don’t concentrate on what it will be like or what I will do. Today’s study is a great reminder that I should really think about the goals that will make a difference for others eternity and not just this life. I really need to consider how I can not only know, grow or serve God, but also how I can share God with others.