June 11, 2017
Living Intentionally
2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 For I am already being poured out as a
drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good
fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which
the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me
but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Paul was a man who lived life to the full.
His goals were to know Christ, abide in His power, fellowship in His suffering,
and preach the gospel (Phil. 3:10; 1 Cor. 1:17). In doing so, he aligned his
aspirations with the Lord's, diligently worked to fulfill his calling, and
persevered through opposition, persecution, and suffering. He could face the
end of his life with confidence since he'd "fought the good fight,"
"finished the course," and "kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).
We'd all like to be able to say the same at
the end of our lives, but that means we have to follow Paul's example. How are
you doing at setting goals for your life? Have you thought beyond the immediate
and set some long-term objectives? Our culture is so fast-paced that few of us
take the time to actually consider where we're going. But you don't want to
finish your life and find out you were on a course other than God's, fighting
the wrong fight, and struggling to keep the faith.
Why not set aside some time this week to get
alone with the Lord. Then ask His help in setting goals that will take you
where He wants you to go. Consider every area of your life--personal,
relational, financial, and vocational--but make spiritual goals your primary
emphasis. Then write them down.
If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll
keep getting what you're getting. Maybe it's time to get out of your rut and
find a new path. God will help you change direction and accomplish new goals
that align with His will. Don't settle for the mediocrity of an unplanned life.
Start living intentionally.