“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Philippians 3:13 (NKJV)
We live in a society that is results driven. We want to know that we’ve made it in this world. We set goals, write mission statements, and create bucket lists. Why? Because we want to make sure that our lives are complete, that we have accomplished something, and lived for some purpose. Without purpose, we can feel incomplete and hopeless.
Where our purpose comes from determines our hope. As believers, we know that our hope and calling are sure. No “bucket list” will satisfy our purpose, because in the end we still have to answer the question: Is this life all there is? We have been given a hope beyond this world. The apostle Paul knew that we had to keep reaching forward for what he called “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” He went on to say that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20 NKJV).
When we know the reality of our destiny beyond this life, it frees us from the trap of seeking satisfaction in things that are passing. We begin to focus on the simpler things.
In 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV) Paul warned the church “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
“What I’m Sayin is”, When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, all else fades away. We begin to see the simple joys of loving God and loving people. We begin to demonstrate this love in our lives. As we grow in relationship with our Creator, our love for our families increases. We find lasting purpose in serving God and those we love. And when we serve God with our families, our joy is magnified and gives us a greater sense of purpose.
Think About It…
Chaplain Answai T. White, B.S., M.Div., C.P.E.
