(The following is the September 5 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Philippians 3 and pay close attention to verses 7-14.)

Can you summarize your life’s goal in one sentence? Earth’s eight billion people would answer the question in countless ways. What would your purpose sentence be?

Paul told the Philippians his goal: “My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead” (vv. 10-11). Noticeably absent in Paul’s goal were any temporal, earthly achievements that had no eternal consequences for God’s kingdom. He didn’t wish to grow the largest tent-making business in the region, nor did he want to win a public speaking contest. He had no desire to do anything popular to draw a crowd. Instead, he focused on knowing, experiencing, and serving Christ. His life showed that he wanted to do whatever he could to bring as many others as possible with him into God’s kingdom. We can learn from his example.

There is nothing wrong with having goals for daily life. It’s good to have plans and work toward their achievement in our professions, finances, and everyday endeavors. But as Christians, we also have a heavenly calling that should be evident in our plans and goals. They will be shaped by the gifts, passions, resources, and opportunities the Lord gives us, so they need not look exactly like anyone else’s goals.

You may have a ready answer if someone asks you about your goals related to health, education, career, business, finances, homeownership, retirement, etc. Can you also articulate a broader life goal for serving Christ and his kingdom?

Next Step:
Think about your purpose in life for serving Christ. Write down key elements of what that purpose might include, and then summarize your goal in a single sentence. Post the sentence where you’ll see it daily and revise it as needed until you are confident in it.