June 26, 2023 -- I Corinthians 9:25-27 -- Properly Goal Oriented

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
I Corinthians 9:25-27 ESV
 
Recently my banker sent my wife and me an email urging us to consider our retirement. This bank regularly sends out notices asking whether we are meeting our financial targets, are we prepared for the volatile housing market with rising interest rates and are we saving enough? Great questions. Dear family in Christ, I wonder, do you as a Christian consider the spiritual goals you have set?
 
Are you keeping your eye on the prize, which is an eternity in the presence of the Majestic One of heaven and earth? Do your daily goals of Bible reading, prayer, and exercising your spiritual gifts govern the way you live, the way you raise your children, the way you spend money, the way in which you work, the way in which you interact with people, even how you interact with those who act as enemies to you?
 
Just like financial setbacks like unexpected expense like car repairs can require a major readjustment in your financial planning, so too there will be setbacks in the way in which you live your Christian faith. When this happens, confess your sins to God. Regroup. Review your goals so that you constantly reaffirming your goal to live for God. Walk in the strength of the Spirit so that your eyes remained fixed on Jesus Christ and your overarching goal is to conform your life to the patterns your Father in heaven has set as the standard of holiness. This is not a burden or a chore. It is the fulfilment of that fact that a believer is a child of God who delights in the way of God.
 
Our Father in heaven hallowed and forever blessed be Your Name. I confess how easily I am knocked off course and stagger away from the goals I have for myself. Thank You for Your Word which reminds me of Your plan for me—to make me fully Yours through the reconciling work of Jesus and this by the power of the Spirit Who makes me more willing and able to live in this way. There are so many distractions and opportunities which on the surface seem okay but are concealing danger and wickedness. Lead me, O my Father, in the way everlasting. Redirect my course so that I am fully Yours, willingly Yours, Spirit-kept as Yours and all other entanglements and red herrings will be revealed as such and avoided. With Your saints through the ages, I dedicate myself to discipline my body and my mind, my strength and my thought-life keeping these under control to the honour and praise of Your great Name. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/WZBOSfiH8Rk “Be Thou My Vision” K & K Getty Music
 

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