H.L. Hunt, a multi-mllionaire, was asked what advice he would give to those who wanted to have financial success. He answered, "Man needs only two things. First, he must decide exactly what he wants to accomplish. Second, he must know what it will cost him to reach said goal, and be willing to pay the price." Although this advice was directed to those interested in financial success, it applies well to other areas of life.
The problem for many people is that although they may have a direction for their life, there is no distinct goal. This is as different as one deciding to go north, while another decides to go to the Statue of Liberty. Without a goal, we can be easily manipulated by others, feel discontented,
end up where we didn’t want to be and accomplished nothing.
On the other hand, when we have a distinct goal for our life, it gives us focus and motivation. It will help us set priorities and make decisions easier.
Paul is a good example of someone using this principle in his spiritual life. He had a goal for his life. "... forgetting
those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-15)
This goal would cost him everything materially, but he was ready to pay the price. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of a
ll things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ," (Philippines 4:7-8)
Although the goal he chose was not easy to reach, he never lost focus regardless of the cost. When his life was drawing to a close he wrote, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my cours
e, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day:" (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Wishing or hoping to be a faithful disciple of Christ is a good direction, but will not bring us the goal we desire. We have to, as Paul, set a goal and seal it with commitment, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us each step of the way. Where is your life headed today? Do you have a specific goal in mind, and if so, have counted the cost? "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" Like 14:28