Goals and Dreams

As a child of God, what is your goal and what would you like to accomplish?  What would you be willing to do to accomplish your goals?  Would you be willing to go the extra mile, plus sacrifice, to meet your goals?

Accomplishing some goals will take a lot of determination, stamina, self-discipline and a positive attitude.  Consistency and dedication will be required along with a strong faith and commitment to overcome whatever the evil one may throw at you.  Reading and studying the Word and a consistent prayer life are essential for accomplishing the goals and dreams you are training for.

The Apostle Paul compared our christian walk to a race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  In the Boston Marathon, many runners run to win because that is their main goal.  Most of these runners are in great physical condition because they have been training for months to be able to compete, and many have run for years trying to condition themselves and their bodies and minds so that they will be as prepared as possible to be victorious in the race.  Some will spend hours studying the sport of running and competing with other runners, as well as how to eat, what to wear, how to breathe and the right exercises to perform to give them the edge they need to be the best that they can be.  Out of all the runners that run the race, only one can win the race.

Now compare these things to what you are willing to do to obtain your goals and dreams.  Think about these runners and how much they have to suffer to even get a chance to compete; twisted and sprained ankles, pulled tendons, knee, feet and leg problems and I could go on, but you got the picture.  To maintain your goals and dreams will cost you something also, most of the things that are worth doing don’t just fall together.

Now think of this, after a runner puts all the time and effort into their preparation so that they are ready to race, they don’t want to be disqualified for any reason.  That is the way the Apostle Paul felt about the race, called Christianity, he was running.  He said this in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Paul was a preacher who loved to preach and he had specific goals in mind.  Preaching wasn’t just a calling to Paul, it was a privilege, something he loved to do even to the point of suffering, which he did quite often.  Paul wrote about three quarters of the New Testament and had a heart for the Lord and honoring Him.  I think his dream was to win the world to Christ, at any cost.  

Paul knew that if he was going to preach the Word, it was very important to live what he preached so that he would never be disqualified.  Paul was quite a remarkable man, he wasn’t going to be caught in the trap of disobedience, preaching to others but not taking his own advice; he not only preached, but he was careful to live what he preached.

We should let Paul’s life, and others like him, be an example for all of us.  Let me make this point, when Paul said he would be a castaway, he wasn’t saying he would lose his salvation he was saying he would be disqualified to preach the gospel.  This should give every one of us something to think about, so that we will try harder to be like Jesus.  I hope this will be a help to all who read it and also an encouragement.  May the Lord’s blessings be upon you and may you have a great day!!