The Ultimate Goal

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”   –Philippians 3:12-14, MSG

What are your goals for today? How about this week or maybe even this year? There are so many things I want to accomplish in life. As I thought about my long list this morning, I had to check myself. Too often I get so wrapped up in what I want to do that I forget the ultimate goal in life. I need to keep my eyes on THE goal. I need to be in the position to reach out for Jesus every day, throughout the day. How do we do this? It’s really all about our focus.

In my grade school years, I was involved in the Junior Olympics at a summer camp. I was part of the 4×400 relay team. Through this running experience, I learned how much I love to run. And now as I look back on it, I can also learn some life lessons. In order to be focused, I need to reach out, take hold, and run.

Reach out

First, reach out. What does it mean to reach out? In running the 4×400, I had to reach out to grab the baton. My teammate depended on me to reach out to continue the race. In life, I need to reach out to the only One who can always help me.

Take hold

Next, after I have reached out, I need to take hold of the baton so I could do my part in the race. If I want to succeed at anything in life, I have to take hold of Jesus. And keep that hold on Him as I run this race of life. Without Him, I will trip up and lose.

Run

And finally, in order to be focused in life, we must run.  In a 4×400 relay, each teammate must do their part. After they receive the baton, they must run. Standing there holding the baton is not an option. It is the same way in life. After we have reached out to Jesus, taken hold of the gift of eternal life, we must run. Run towards Jesus every day. Focus our eyes on the prize.

I’m off and running towards Jesus, how about you?

Heavenly Father, please help me to focus on the ultimate goal. Show me the ways I am letting life trip me up. Help me to reach out, take hold, and run towards You. In Jesus name, Amen.