22 March 2011

Keeping my goal in sight

Goals is the word for this week’s One Word at a Time Carnival.

I can think of many things I plan, hope, and pray for in the near and distant future.
  • I will finish the novel I began in November.
  • I will see words of mine published on paper before printed books become obsolete.
  • I will serve the Lord in whatever way He chooses on the red dirt of Africa.
But none of these can take priority over the greater thing that God has placed within my spirit.

You may be shocked, surprised, or worried about the status of my mental health to learn that my primary goal is death.

Yes, you read that correctly, and no, I am not suicidal. I don’t wish to take my life; I want to give my life, wholly and without hesitation to my Lord.

I’m talking here about death to my self (with its fleshly actions and desires) and the fullness of life in Christ. That is the key to transformation, to becoming the new creation He gave His life for. This dying is a day by day, no, moment by moment, challenge.

This is a goal that will stay written on my heart, my calendars, my planning lists and yet never been fully attained until I meet Him face to face.

Oh, what glory then.

So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ. Colossians 3:1-4 The Message

Stop by Peter's place to read more views on goals.

  

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Great encouragement my sister, I pray that you achieve these and find new ones along the way!

a joyful noise said...

My Grandmother always told me, "get rid of self." It wasn't until years later that I understood she meant to die to self. Gods plans, not mine, His will not mine.

One of my favorite verses is:
Galations 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Anonymous said...

Great challenge, Karin! I'm with you. Thanks.

Helen said...

When I was teaching, one of my coworkers had on the classroom boarder opposite the alphabet "All that really matters is that we get to heaven!" I totally agree!

Linda said...

Powerful! So true.

Meredith said...

So true. Sadly it's a view that many Christians feel shy about articulating. But it is so very true. Thank you for saying it so well. God bless you.