Bumper stickers and T-shirts—you gotta love their creativity! At a recent race I saw a shirt that read “Keep your eye on the goal.” Very appropriate for the setting.
Have you ever wondered what the goal actually is?
According to one college alumni newsletter, the school’s graduates are out winning awards and meeting important people—simply another way of saying that the goal is personal glory. By achieving great things, or at least associating with people who do, we can garner the admiration of others and find a sense of significance.
My bank advertises that the goal is financial security. They must assume that comfort and stability are the things that matter to me most. It is an effective message in our uncertain times, but their ability to protect my money is founded upon the financial integrity of the U.S. government—something not so secure these days.
I have no reason to frequent dating websites, but I’m sure they would all say that the goal is to meet that perfect person who will fulfill all of one’s dreams. It’s not about marriage or faithfulness or anything like that, just living happily ever after in romantic bliss.
Commercial advertisers inundate us with messages inferring that the goal is personal fulfillment which comes through entertainment, personal beauty and the accumulation of stuff. If I spend my money to buy their products, I will obviously achieve the goal.
With so many goals to keep our eyes on it’s no wonder that our society seems to be so confused!
What is the goal that permeates your heart? I’m not asking what you believe or profess to believe. I’m asking what it is that actually motivates you to do what you do. A quick glance at your calendar and your checkbook should give you a pretty good idea.
I’m not asking this to further complicate your life, but to help simplify it.
The Apostle Paul once wrote to his faithful disciple Timothy, “the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5 (NASB)
This wasn’t anything new. Jesus said that the greatest two commandments were to love God with all of our hearts and then to love others as we would ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). Gee, this doesn’t sound anything like seeking personal glory or security or fulfillment, or any of that stuff! Evidently God’s goal for our lives differs slightly from the goals of this world.
You may wonder if it really matters exactly what your goal may be. I think it matters a lot! Regardless of what we profess with our mouths, we will always move toward the goals written upon our hearts.
God has an awesome destiny planned for each and every one of us. It’s better than anything that this world has to offer. But we’ll only fulfill our God-breathed destinies as we seek to walk in “love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
Do you find yourself unfilled? Are you struggling with the need for approval? Is the world around you increasingly shaky? Keep your eye on the goal! In the end love always wins.
Hidden Trails 
Awesome message! To reach your goal in life, keep your eye on Jesus. Doing so does simplify life. But we are all like Peter when he first stepped out of the boat. He walked on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, but as soon as he became distracted by the storm, he began to sink. We need to pray to ask God’s help in keeping our eyes on the goal. .
Amen to that, sister!
Love it Bob! You know this is my goal this year!
Meghan, one day at a time!