There is a simple idea about life that would seem so obvious that it would not need to be mentioned. Here it is...; Make sure you have your end goal in mind before you begin and stay focused on it the whole time you are living.
One year on our annual motorcycle ride, Libbie and I spent almost two days in the upstate New York countryside, without a map, or any destination in mind. When we came to an intersection that required a change in direction I would ask her, “Do you want to go left or right?” She picked and then off we went! It was a great vacation and we saw some fantastic scenery. But the reason why we could do that was we had already reached our goal! Our goal was to ride around New York state, see the countryside and relax! Since we had no other destination in mind it made for a relaxing and revealing two days of our vacation.
What would be the result of living your entire life that way? For people or organizations to go through life without real goals in mind is an almost guaranteed recipe for getting nothing meaningful done.
By the time Jesus was twelve He had His mission solidly in mind, “do you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Lk. 2:49). His focus stayed on His task, “He said to them, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth."” (Mk. 1:38). "I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” (Jn. 17:4).
People and organizations that understand their purpose, and have clear goals, can accomplish amazing things. Those that have no goals just blunder along, which is OK for a scenic vacation, but not very good for life.
Helmsman: “Where to Captain.”
Captain: “I don’t really know.”
Helmsman: “What direction should I steer?”
Captain: “You know, that’s good question.”
Helmsman: “Where are we NOW?”
Captain: “Here... I think. Yes, we’re here. I’m pretty sure that here is where we are.”
Helmsman pleads: “Where are we GOING?”
Captain: “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
Helmsman: “Maybe we could check a MAP?”
Captain: “Isn’t this water amazing?”
Helmsman muttering: “This will end badly...”
“But one thing I do... I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14). And your goals?
-Tim Orbison