Each Friday my writing stems from a word prompt. Five minutes, one word prompt. The prompt this week is … Goal.
A quick check in a dictionary and I find ‘goal’ has been defined as “the result or achievement toward which effort is directed” (dictionary.com).
I sat looking at the definition, pondering the words for a bit and the question came to mind: What is to be my goal in life?
Interestingly, two verses came to mind, both written by the same author:
“So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9, NLT)
The apostle Paul brings our goal in life to just one simple thing – live to please God. If we love God, we will obey His Word and our lives will be pleasing to Him.
As I pecked out this last sentence, the next verse came to mind, also written by Paul:
“Let love be your highest goal!” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NLT)
As followers of Jesus, our lives will display the mark of His love. Having been loved by Him, we in turn, will love others.
The most important goal for us to seek in this life
is to become a faithfully loving person.
The book still sits on my desk and reaching for it, I turn to the quote which has not let go of me:
“Jesus talked to His friends a lot about how we should identify ourselves. He said it wouldn’t be what we said we believed or all the good we hoped to do someday. Nope, He said we would identify ourselves simply by how we loved people. It’s tempting to think there is more to it, but there’s not. Love isn’t something we fall into; love is someone we become.”
(Bob Goff, Everybody Always, page 2)
Love God,
love people.
“Let love be your highest goal!”
Today I am joining … Five Minute Friday and Faith On Fire and Fresh Market Friday and Faith ”˜N Friends .
This stops me in my tracks, Joanne, because I’m analyzing my base motives for what I do, and so often they come up short of the “love that never fails.”
Michele, I am constantly taking a deeper look at the motivations of my heart. Not easy.
I loved this post, Joanne. “Let love be your highest goal” is a wonderful life philosophy and it truly was how the Apostle Paul lived his life.
May we live like Paul!
I have yet to read a Bob Goff book – tell me I should!!!
You should 🙂
To be faithful and to love others. Such worthy goals. On one hand, it simplifies so much (that I repeatedly tend to complicate) but, on the other, such a lofty goal – seeming almost unachievable. But they are the goals that He has set before us and I’m so thankful for the way they give each life direction, purpose and joy if we will persevere. So inspired by your post this week!!
Jennifer, in ourselves the goal would be unachievable. But in Him, all things are possible!
A wonderful reminder! Yes, Jesus said that we should be known by our love. I need to stay in God’s word and need the help of the Holy Spirit.
We all need to do so as surely it is only with the help of the Lord that we will be able to love like Him.
The highest goal that I have now
is to be the hardest man,
so that “If anyone knows how
to survive, that bloody Asian can!”
I have to start with ruthless,
and turn it inward, hard,
well and truly to confess
that honour not be marred.
I cannot let a tear escape
however sore the hour,
lest cancer see and nimbly take
what’s remaining of my power.
However fearful is the night
I believe my will can win this fight.
Praying for you, Andrew, as you fight the hardest fight you have fought. Blessings to you and Barb.