God has made our lives beautiful tapestries, and while this life is extremely important, eternity is much longer and deserves our attention. Invest this life wisely -- sow to the Spirit, and reap eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Discussion questions
1. In this life, what do you want to accomplish?
It's great to have ambitions, hobbies, and goals -- one blessing of this life is working and seeing things come about from the work that we accomplish. God has created a world in which we see reap-what-you-sow dynamics. On what is the bulk of your work focused currently? It's always a good idea to commit your way to the LORD, and to evaluate your goals based on His leading.
Psalm 37:5 - Commit your way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He will bring it to pass.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
2. Are these goals worthwhile in the scope of eternity?
Some seemingly mundane goals are actually worthwhile in the scope of eternity. We are God's creations -- He has made us with many needs. Meeting these needs are very important.
For example:
We need to take time to eat to nourish our bodies.
We need to sleep and rest to allow our bodies to recover.
These are all important in staying healthy in this life. We have tons to do here, even though eternity is much longer. Outside of these basic goals, ones that are going to make a lasting impact and will be greeted with acceptance by God are important to invest in. Take some time to reflect on your current goals, and pray through whether or not these are good to keep, modify, or abandon.
3. What are some goals that would be worthwhile in the scope of eternity?
Some good criteria to run these goals through:
Does the goal glorify God?
Is the goal in line with what God has called me to do?
Is this goal going to help me grow closer to God?
Does the goal build up (encourage/edify) others?
Is this goal a product of my own pride, or is God truly behind this?
Will this goal produce a lasting positive effect?
Remember that in the end, we will give an account to God for all we do (see Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 12:36). What do you want to give an account for when you stand before Him?
4. How can you accomplish these goals while you are here?
Think through the method in which you accomplish these goals. Some wise principles for each goal:
Pray! Let God direct your plans.
List who you need to help accomplish the goal.
List what resources you need to accomplish the goal.
Set aside enough time to work toward accomplishing the goal at hand.
If necessary, split the goal up into sub-goals (bite-size pieces) in order to work toward finishing the entire goal.
Pace yourself as you are able.
Often, God will guide us step-by-step, with a flashlight instead of a floodlight. Trust in Him with your goals, and work toward completing what He has put on your heart.
5. Most importantly, have you put your faith in Jesus? Remember, eternity is important!
More important than any goal, your hope needs to be in Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes to the Father except through Him (see John 14:6). Even if we accomplish nothing in life, we still need to be covered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Aside from accomplishing goals, our eternal state is most important. Go for the goals, but first and foremost, be sure that you are in good standing with God through Jesus Christ!
If you want to contact us with questions about this, feel free. A good page to visit on the topic: Know Jesus?
