“So we make it our goal to please him…” II Corinthians 5:9
Google the word “goal” and you will be rewarded with 144,000,000 hits. Amazon yields 41,071 options when “goal” is typed into the search box (at the time of this writing, that is). Entire seminars, workshops, and classes have been devoted to teaching us how to set and attain goals. We categorize them (physical, financial, personal, mental, academic, vocational) and we schedule them (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly). We wear ourselves out trying to keep them.
What if we could set all this planning, categorizing, and scheduling aside and sum it all up in just one goal — one goal that captures every category. One goal that ensures victory on every list and for every day. It is possible. The answer, like that for every question life asks is found in the Bible: “…we make it our goal to please him…”
God is not just the God of Sunday morning and Wednesday night Bible study. He is not only the God of the crisis. He is also the God of day to day life – paying the bills, disciplining the children, honoring my husband, maintaining healthy relationships, and even cleaning out the closet! Every answer we need is addressed either specifically or in principle in the Word of God. I’m convinced of it. As we ask Him:
- Should I buy this?
- Should I eat this?
- Should I watch this?
I’m convinced that His Holy Spirit gives us the answer we need. That answer, when obeyed, will not only honor Him, but bless us abundantly. Why not join me in making just one goal for 2012?
Lord, I want to make it my chief goal –and indeed my only goal – to please you. Show me TODAY what will please you—what decision, action, or attitude will bring you glory. Who do you want me to bless, what do you want to me to give away, how should I spend my waking hours of this day? Bless me, O God, and make me a blessing to others –all with the chief goal of pleasing you.
