Striving Towards The Goal

            "I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air" (I Cor 9:26).

Many people in our society seem to spend their lives in a futile manner, not having any aim or direction in their lives.  Such is the tragic state of much of mankind.  As Christians, who have been baptized unto the Lord, our position should be somewhat different.

We learn from the Bible how Paul was converted from being a persecutor of the Christians to a champion of the Faith, always striving to defend the name of the Lord Jesus and to preach the gospel of salvation to all nations.  Even when faced with the kind of adversity which threatened his life, he aimed single-mindedly at accomplishing the task set before him and for which he was chosen; "forgetting what was behind and striving towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13, 14).

Today, do we have a goal in life, or do we find ourselves drifting aimlessly in this world? Paul's goal was to strive for the everlasting and imperishable crown of life. He saw his sole aim and responsibility in life as one of reaching out to all of mankind to preach the gospel of salvation and to testify the abundant grace of God, forsaking all things for the sake of the gospel.  His only wish was that "... If only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:23-24).

Paul was truly a soldier of Christ.  He stood firm in the midst of life's adverse conditions; never regretting or complaining in serving the Lord, never admitting defeat, but he was forever striving forward to win the race and battle set before him.

Therefore, let us endeavor towards this same goal of salvation and in the end, be able to share in Paul's song of victory: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day" (II Tim 4:7).

            "Who am I O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family that you have brought me this far?" (II Sam 7:18)

When I consider the universe and ponder upon God's majestic creation, this question posed by King David comes to mind.  I am but a humble creature; an insignificant part of God's magnificent display.  Yet, His providential care has never left me.  With forbearance, He leads and directs my every footstep.  Indeed, I shall sing of His greatness and praise His Holy Name all the days of my life.